Earthquake: Consequences

Earthquakes generally result Economic and Social consequences.

Economic Consequences

Business interruption can definitely result from damage to a building’s structural foundations. Specific ways in which earthquakes cause economic disruption include damage to manufacturing, office equipment, and inventory; loss of materials due to losses experienced by an afflicted supplier; loss of electrical current or other core services necessary to operate the facility; interruption of the transportation system to deliver supplies or finished products; diminished consumer base due to damage to facilities or inability to access a facility; or a decrease in employees due to death or injury.

A catastrophic earthquake could affect government functions especially at the local and state levels. Earthquakes can reduce future revenues and increase costs resulting from response activities like recovery efforts and redevelopment initiatives.

Although some of these costs can be offset through private sector development of the area and economic revitalization, there generally will be a significant net loss in revenue.

Social Consequences

In terms of social damage, earthquakes mercilessly damage homes and buildings. Their pulsations and waves knock fragile and even sturdy objects off their positioning and crack even the most secure furniture. While not primarily known for killing, earthquakes cause irreparable damage to esssential household items like toilets and cooking appliances in addition to personal and irreplaceable items like photographs and paintings.

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