After a quake

After the shaking stops

The first 72 hours decide a lot. Aftershocks, damaged buildings, injuries and unsafe water are the real dangers now. Here's what to do — and in what order.

Expect aftershocks. Each time the ground moves again: Drop, Cover, Hold On. Aftershocks can be large and can collapse already-weakened buildings.

Act now

The first minutes

Basic first aid

  • Severe bleeding: press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth and keep pressing.
  • Don't move someone with a possible spine or serious injury unless they're in immediate danger.
  • Fractures: support and immobilise the limb; don't try to straighten it.
  • Keep the injured warm and reassured to prevent shock.
  • Crush injuries (trapped limbs) need hospital care — flag for rescuers.

This is basic guidance, not a substitute for medical care. For serious injuries call an ambulance: 102 or Red Cross 1130.

Is it safe to go back inside?

  • Leaning or bulging walls
  • Large or X-shaped cracks, especially in columns
  • Sagging floors, beams or roof
  • Broken or crushed pillars / exposed bent steel
  • A smell of gas, or sparking wires

If you see any of these — or you're unsure — stay out. Aftershocks can bring a damaged building down. Wait for an official safety assessment before re-entering.

Water & sanitation

  • Assume tap water may be unsafe after a quake.
  • Make it safe: boil for 1 minute, or use chlorine/purification tablets, or clear bottles in direct sun for 6 hours (SODIS).
  • Store water in clean, covered containers.
  • Keep toilets/latrines away from water sources; wash hands with soap.
  • Clean water and hygiene prevent the disease outbreaks that often follow disasters.
Aftershocks

Aftershocks follow every large earthquake and can continue for days or weeks — some nearly as strong as the first. Stay out of damaged buildings, keep shoes, a torch and your go-bag beside you, and Drop, Cover, Hold On every time you feel shaking.

Look after each other

  • Strong fear, shaking, trouble sleeping and tears are normal reactions to a frightening event.
  • Stay together, reconnect with family, and check on neighbours — especially the elderly and those living alone.
  • Listen without judging. Simple presence and calm help more than advice.
  • Rest, water, food and routine help people recover.

Helping children cope

  • Reassure them they are safe and stay close.
  • Keep simple routines — meals, sleep, play.
  • Answer questions honestly in simple words; let them talk or draw about it.
  • Limit their exposure to frightening images and rumours.
Aftershocks: what to expect

Aftershocks are normal physics, not a sign of worse to come. They are most frequent in the first hours and days, then fade — but the largest one often arrives within the first two weeks, and any of them can topple a building the mainshock already weakened. Every time the ground moves: Drop, Cover, Hold On. After the 2015 M7.8, the strongest aftershock (M7.3) came 17 days later.

See how real sequences decay →

If buildings get inspection tags

  • GREEN — inspected, safe to enter and live in.
  • YELLOW — restricted: short, essential entries only (grab documents, medicines) and never during aftershocks.
  • RED — unsafe. Do not enter for any reason.
  • No tag yet but visible cracks? Treat it as yellow at best — sleep in the open or a shelter for the first nights.
  • Never remove or move a tag; report tampering to authorities.

Document damage & register for relief

  • Photograph everything first — every room, cracks, the exterior — before moving or cleaning anything.
  • Keep receipts for emergency spending (tarpaulin, medicines, transport); relief and insurance may reimburse.
  • Register the damage at your ward office as soon as lists open — that record is the door to compensation and rebuilding grants.
  • Keep citizenship and land-paper copies in the go-bag; they are what officials will ask for.
  • Beware of scams: no genuine relief programme charges a 'registration fee'.

Getting help & staying informed

Call emergency services for life-threatening situations. Listen to radio and official channels for instructions and aid points. Beware rumours — they spread fast after a quake and cause panic.

Emergency numbers & services Facts vs rumors

Prepare now, recover faster

The households that recover best are the ones that prepared. Build your kit and family plan today.

Preparedness guide