As a seismologist with extensive experience in studying the impacts of seismic events, I can explain the various ways in which earthquakes can be harmful. Earthquakes are the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Here are some of the primary ways they can cause harm: 1. Structural Damage: The most immediate and visible harm caused by earthquakes is the damage to buildings and infrastructure. Weak or poorly constructed structures can collapse, leading to loss of life and property. 2. Landslides and Liquefaction: Earthquakes can trigger landslides, especially in mountainous regions or areas with steep slopes. Additionally, the shaking can cause soil to behave like a liquid, a phenomenon known as liquefaction, which can lead to the collapse of buildings and roads. 3. Tsunamis: As you mentioned, earthquakes that occur underwater or near the coast can generate tsunamis. These are a series of large ocean waves that can travel vast distances and cause widespread damage upon reaching the shore. 4. Fire: Earthquakes can cause gas lines to break, leading to fires. In the chaos following an earthquake, fires can spread rapidly and become difficult to control, especially if water supply systems are also damaged. 5. Economic Impact: The economic toll of an earthquake can be significant, with the cost of rebuilding and the loss of business operations affecting communities for years. 6. Human Casualties: The loss of life is perhaps the most tragic consequence of an earthquake. The exact number of casualties depends on the time of day, the population density, and the preparedness of the community. 7. Secondary Effects: There can be long-term secondary effects such as displacement of populations, psychological trauma, and the spread of disease due to poor sanitation in areas affected by the earthquake. read more >>

Earthquakes can be very dangerous, if you are in the wrong place. They can make buildings fall down and set off landslides, as well as having many other deadly effects. An earthquake that occurs at the bottom of the sea can push water upwards and create massive waves called tsunamis.read more >>