
There is no absolutely exact method to predict an earthquake. Geophysicists and seismologists are conducting research on the development of an early warning system. But there is still much to be learned about what happens in nature just before an earthquake. This problem is partly due to the fact that seismic events do not always occur sequentially. Some precursors appear at different times (days, weeks or seconds before the tremors). Sometimes such signs do not appear at all, as happened before the earthquake in Turkey in 2023, and a natural disaster occurs suddenly.
If you are in a region with a high seismic risk, you must always be prepared for the fact that you will have to face the disaster. And the readiness to respond correctly in a critical situation determines the need to pay attention to obvious or indirect signs of an impending earthquake. What should you pay attention to?
Earthquake precursors
Signs of an impending earthquake are not an absolute fact indicating the imminent onset of seismic events. But they should not be ignored. Experts recommend to:
Pay attention to the seismic lights in the atmosphere
Reports often indicate that strange lights were observed coming from the ground or appearing in the sky a few days or minutes before the earthquake. Although this phenomenon is not yet fully understood by scientists, it is assumed that seismic rays may come from rocks that are subjected to severe compression. The following lights were observed:
- short blue flames coming from the ground;
- floating spheres of light in the sky;
- large flashes of light coming from the ground.
Such earthquake precursors do not indicate the obligatory onset of seismic events. But if you see or hear about strange lights in the sky, you might want to review your earthquake preparedness plan and make sure your emergency survival kit is ready to use.
Notice unusual behavior of animals
According to eyewitnesses, many animals dramatically change their habits and lifestyle before the earthquake begins:
- chickens may stop laying eggs a few days before an earthquake;
- some fish species (catfish, eel) react violently to the change in the electromagnetic field that is observed during an earthquake. If you are fishing and notice fish moving strangely in the water, it is worth looking for a safe place away from trees and bridges that could collapse during seismic activity;
- dogs, cats, and other pets can sense the approach of an earthquake minutes or seconds before it can be detected by humans. If one of them begins to behave strangely – run away, show unreasonable fear, make loud noises – it would be the right decision to look for a safe place nearby where you can hide.
An approaching earthquake can be indicated by amphibians (toads, snakes) leaving their habitats en masse, as well as birds trying to fly into the sky and not land on trees and supports.
Listen to foreshocks
Low intensity ground vibrations (foreshocks) can indicate an approaching earthquake. If you feel a foreshock, be prepared for stronger tremors that may follow. It is impossible to predict the duration or strength of the tremors. But when you feel the ground begin to shake, take measures to protect yourself from debris, depending on where you are – inside the building, outside or in the car.
Study seismic activity in your region
If you live in a tectonic fault zone, you should be aware of the cyclical nature of earthquakes in your region. By measuring the time between the two previous events, you can have a general understanding of what awaits you in the near future. If the deadline for the next earthquake has passed and the event has not occurred, remember that you should always have an emergency kit on hand.
Subscribe to earthquake warning resources
Some countries, such as the United States, Japan and Mexico, have early warning systems about an approaching earthquake or tsunami threat. But even with warning systems, the population can be informed of the danger in a maximum of several tens of seconds. It should be understood that earthquake warning systems do not perform the function of prediction. They only serve to alert you that an earthquake is occurring or a tsunami is approaching.
However, there are Geoquake resources that can assess the earthquake risk and indicate that seismic tremors are imminent in your region. If you have received information about a high seismic risk or an earthquake warning through a mobile application, you should check the emergency kit, the condition of the car, as well as communication with your family members.