On this page
- Know the risk before you go
- What to do if there's an earthquake
- What to do if there's a tsunami
- Earthquake and tsunami reporting services
Know the risks before you go
There are millions of earthquakes worldwide every year. Most are too small or deep to cause problems. But larger ones can cause injury and damage.
If a major earthquake happens, it can cause:
- building damage and collapse
- damage to infrastructure
- landslides, mudslides and avalanches
- tsunamis.
In an earthquake, most people are injured or die from falling buildings, rubble or fires. If the earthquake causes a tsunami, deaths are often from drowning.
In developing countries, the impacts of an earthquake may increase. Poor building regulations and infrastructure may mean buildings and utilities are less able to resist damage. Emergency responders may not have the same level of training or resources as those in more developed nations.
Where and when earthquakes can happen
Some places that Australians often travel to in Asia-Pacific and the Americas have more frequent earthquakes.
Before you go, check if and when your destination experiences earthquakes. Read the travel advice for where you're going. If earthquakes are a common risk, we'll mention it in the 'Safety' section under 'Extreme weather and natural disasters'.
For more information, see the map of earthquake-prone areas (Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program).
What to do if there's an earthquake
During an earthquake
If you're inside when the shaking starts
- Drop and cover. In most situations, you'll reduce your chance of injury from falling objects. Drop to your hands and knees and cover your head and neck with your arms. Get under a table if there's one nearby.
- Stay calm. Move as little as possible during an earthquake.
- Stay away from windows. This helps prevent flying glass from injuring you.
- Use stairs. If you must leave the building after the shaking stops, use stairs instead of an elevator. There may be aftershocks or power outages.
Stay indoors until the shaking stops, and you're sure it's safe to exit. Many deaths or injuries happen when people try to move too soon and get hit by flying or falling objects.
If you're outside when the shaking starts
- Drop and cover. Find a clear spot, lie on the ground, or drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Stay calm. Stay there until the shaking stops, away from buildings, power lines, trees or streetlights.
- Stop driving. If you're in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible. Stay in your vehicle until the shaking stops.
- Be alert. Earthquakes can trigger landslides. Be alert for falling rocks and other debris.
After an earthquake
- Check for hazards. Some you'll need to avoid. Others you'll need to deal with quickly to prevent more danger. Watch for fire and shut off gas supplies. Be aware of damaged or exposed wiring.
- Treat injuries. Seek first aid, if necessary, before helping other injured or trapped people. If it's serious, you may need medical care.
- Check supplies. Especially clean water. Water, food and medicine may be hard to find after an earthquake. Waterborne infectious diseases are common.
- Stay informed. Listen to local news. If possible, keep a battery-powered radio. If you have internet, follow online news from official reporting services.
- Stay in contact. Contact family and friends to let them know you're safe if you can.
- Save phone battery power. Keep your mobile charged as much as possible. Send text messages where possible, and turn off non-essential services when not required.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Don't go near damaged buildings or fallen powerlines. Watch for falling rocks and trees, landslides and mudslides if you're in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs.
- Be prepared for aftershocks. These can happen in the minutes, days, weeks and even months after an earthquake. They may be stronger than the first tremor.
- Watch for tsunamis. If you're on the coast, they can be a risk immediately after an earthquake.
Find out who to contact if you need help.
What to do if there's a tsunami
Undersea earthquakes can cause a tsunami. Tsunamis can occur with no warning. You're at risk if you're on the coast or near the water.
Immediately following an earthquake
- Watch for a rapid and unusual rise or drop in ocean water levels.
- Listen for unusual roaring sounds from the ocean or warning sirens.
If you see a tsunami approaching and you can't reach high ground
- Get to the nearest multi-storey brick or concrete building and go inside.
- Get as high as possible in the building.
- Shelter on the landward side of the building, away from the approaching wave.
If you're in a tsunami-prone area and you've experienced a major earthquake
- Don't wait for official warnings. The earthquake may disrupt communications.
- Move immediately to a place at least 10 metres above sea level or 1 kilometre inland if it's safe to do so. If you can see the wave, you're too close for safety.
- Move on foot. The earthquake may have damaged roads and bridges. There may be traffic jams stopping cars from moving to safety.
- Watch for downed power lines. Electrocution is a risk.
If there's an evacuation warning, immediately follow the advice of local authorities.
Find out who to contact if you need help.
Earthquake and tsunami reporting services
- Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (Global)
- Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (Global)
- Japan Meteorological Agency (Global)
- Pacific Disaster Centre - DisasterALERT (Global)
- Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (Indian Ocean)