Series of quakes hits northern emirates

Ras Al Khaimah/Abu Dhabi/Fujairah/Al Ain: A series of tremors hit Ras Al Khaimah on Sunday and forced authorities to evacuate more than 800 students from two schools.

The quakes hit the Masafi area at 8.45am, 10.30am and noon, which prompted Ras Al Khaimah's Education Zone officials to order the evacuation of more than 400 students each from Masafi Secondary School and Abdullah bin Omar Elementary School. The decision came after the walls and ceilings of the schools developed major cracks.

The National Center of Meteorology and Seismology at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs said mild tremors hit Al Ain and the northern emirates early on Sunday as well. The centre has dispatched a five-member team to the Eastern Region to survey the seismic activity.

The first earthquake measured 4.4 on the Richter Scale and had its epicentre in the Gulf of Oman, 140km from Al Ain. The second and third quakes measuring 3.2 and 2.57 on the scale hit northern Fujairah at 1:25am and 3:24am, and a fourth quake measuring 3.2 hit Qeshm Island in Iran at 8.30am.

Residents in Ras Al Khaimah ran into the streets for awhile. Some of them have demanded compensation for damages.

Do you know of precautionary measures to undertake during an earthquake? Should there be more awareness? Have you ever experienced an earthquake?

Never panic when an earthquake hits. Avoid running, stay calm and remain where you are. Find a place under a strong table, a door frame or an arch. And keep praying.
Sheeba
Fujairah,UAE
Posted: February 04, 2008, 12:45

I think that people should get more information from the internet, people they know or anywhere else to make them more aware about precautions to take during an earthquake in order to reduce as much injuries as possible during earthquakes.
N.H.M.
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 04, 2008, 11:51

A little knowledge and a few precautionary measures can enormously increase your chances of surviving an earthquake. If you are indoors, stay there. Quickly move to a safe location in the room such as under a strong desk, a strong table, or along an interior wall. The goal is to protect yourself from falling objects and be located near the structural strong points of the room. Avoid taking cover near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, heavy appliances or fireplaces.
Suhail
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 04, 2008, 09:48

Earthquake occurs mostly in the Philippines due to the presence of some volcanoes in the country. During the earthquake just be calm and don't panic. Protect yourself by hiding under the hard table so you will be protected to some falling objects coming your way.
Edna
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 04, 2008, 09:19

Here are some precautionary measures in case of an earthquake. 1. Have a licensed contractor check your chimney(s), roof and wall foundations for stability. Make sure your home is bolted to the foundation. 2. Keep heavy shoes and gloves underneath your bed to protect yourself from broken glass and debris left on the floor after an earthquake. 3. Know where your gas, electrical and water main shut-off valves are located. 4. Prepare and maintain a first aid kit (with a first aid handbook) for your entire family. 6. Secure your water heater(s) with approved water heater strapping. 5. Remain calm.
Claude
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 04, 2008, 09:06

I have lived through a major earthquake and the best precaution is to get under a heavy table or desk. They say to stand in the doorway but stuff can fall on you. Make sure you and your family know how to escape your home or office. Have a safe meeting place so that you know everyone is safe, because phones don't work because the power is usually off. Make sure gas values are turn off to avoid gas leaks and explosion. Don't light matches.
Um
New York,USA
Posted: February 04, 2008, 08:55

In my favourite lessons we have studied awareness. I learnt that the best thing to do is hide under a table. I think that I would be really scared and would panic though!
Razak
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 04, 2008, 08:54

The first precaution is to run out of the building to a safe place and be calm.
George
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 04, 2008, 08:52

It's always safe to take shelter. 1. Go out of the house. 2. Sit under a strong table or similar thing. 3. Avoid staying in the balcony. 4. Put off the gas stove and any fire in the kitchen. 5. Stay calm and don't panic.
Aamer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 04, 2008, 08:14

Has any one analysed the reason for the quakes? Is the massive construction and the changes to nature a cause of this?
Rajesh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 04, 2008, 07:31

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimise your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
Laila
Mississauga,Canada
Posted: February 04, 2008, 04:48