Earthquakes Cyprus 11th August 1999 by Oliver Towler-Copp
What is an Earthquake? • The Earth's surface is made up of a series of large plates called tectonic plates. The tectonic plates move very slowly all the time. When these plates move against each other, they cause earthquakes.
Mind Blowing Facts! •Earthquakes are measured by a Richter Scale from 1 to 10. The higher the number the bigger the earthquake. •Earthquakes can cause landslides, volcanoes to erupt and tsunamis. •They usually last less than one minute but are felt over large areas. •Epicentre is where the earthquake starts. •An aftershock is a small earthquake that happens after a larger one.
Cyprus 11th August 1999 • The earthquake measured 5.6 on the Richter scale. Caused damage to buildings in Limassol and the villages to the north. There were lots of aftershocks. • Felt all over Cyprus. Forty people were slightly injured mainly because of panic. • There are lots of earthquakes in Cyprus. • Most buildings are made to stand up to earthquakes.
What was it like? • My grandparents were on holiday there with my aunt and uncle before I was born. • Was very frightening! The ground shook back and forth very fast. They could hardly stand up. They were on the 4th floor. • The double doors crashed open and shut all the time. • There were lots of panic. Some people jumped off their hotel balconies they were so scared!
Afterwards • There were lots of aftershocks. This made my grandparents afraid. My grandpa said once when he was making tea, the cups slid down to the other end of the counter! • Everyone wanted to go home but there were no planes available.
What to do in an earthquake • When an earthquake starts you need to DUCK down on the floor. • Take COVER under a strong desk, table or other furniture. If you can’t, lean against a wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. • HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.
THE END! Some Pictures • Click to edit Master text styles – Second level – Third level • Fourth level – Fifth level