Most Common Causes of Death During Earthquakes

The most common cause of death during earthquakes is structural collapse, responsible for 75% of fatalities, as walls and buildings crush occupants. Deaths during earthquakes most often result not from the shaking of the ground itself but from the tremors of unstable structures, accounting for almost three-quarters of deaths. When significant earthquakes occur, peril emerges within moments. With around 60,000 deaths reported globally each year, earthquakes remain a major cause of disaster-related mortality, especially in developing countries.

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Given such unpredictability, term insurance helps protect families financially if a life is lost due to an earthquake. Let’s look at the main causes of death during earthquakes and the risks involved.

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Death During Earthquakes

Falling debris, shattered glass, landslides, fires, and tsunamis are significant causes of death during earthquakes, while numerous earthquake injuries occur when people try to run during the intense shaking. Understanding the causes is essential for enhancing preparedness, safety, and survival.

Understanding earthquake risks is crucial for protecting lives, just as planning for financial risks is essential for safeguarding families. Life insurance provides financial protection in the event of unexpected loss of life or income. They provide financial stability, cover necessary expenses, and assist loved ones in challenging situations, enhancing preparedness beyond just physical safety.

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Earthquake Causes Of Death: What Puts Lives Most At Risk

Death during an earthquake can happen due to strong tremors, usually because of hazardous buildings and other dangers. The earthquake causes of death listed below may help communities understand the dangers, improve preparedness, and take steps that can lower the number of deaths.

Structural Collapse: The primary reason for fatalities during earthquakes is the collapse or significant damage of buildings, particularly those that are poorly constructed.
Falling Objects and Debris: Within residential and commercial spaces, substantial items such as furniture, collapsing walls, and broken glass pose significant risks of serious injuries, even if the structures themselves remain intact.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Organ Failure: Severe head injuries and multiple system organ failure are two of the most common medical reasons for deaths in hospitals after earthquakes.
Powerful underwater earthquakes generate tsunamis, which can cause significant drowning and destruction in coastal areas.
Landslides and Ground Failure: In regions characterised by hills or instability, earthquakes have the potential to initiate landslides, which can result in the burial of homes, roads, and individuals.
Carbon monoxide poisoning and infection: Employing generators or heaters in inadequately ventilated or compromised areas can result in fatal carbon monoxide exposure.
Fires Following Earthquakes: Damaged gas lines, compromised electrical systems, and displaced flammable materials can ignite fires that escalate rapidly, potentially posing a greater threat than the initial tremors.

Knowing these earthquake causes of death is vital because they show where the dangers are greatest and where prevention is most needed.

Discover fundamental earthquake safety tips to protect yourself and your family.

Earthquake Injuries

Earthquake shaking rarely kills people. Instead, falling debris and damaged surroundings cause most earthquake injuries, which range from minor cuts to life-threatening wounds. Below are some injuries that occur during or after an earthquake.

People often sustain broken bones and various injuries when trapped or struck by collapsing walls and large items.
Abrasions and lacerations from shattered glass, metal, and debris are frequent earthquake injuries that may lead to infection if not addressed.
TBI, caused by falling items or structure collapses, may cause long-term impairment and death in earthquakes.
Building collapses may cause spine and nerve injuries that might cause paralysis or mobility issues.
Infections and Valley fever may result from inhaling dust, smoke, and debris.

Survivors of earthquakes frequently experience various injuries resulting from the collapse of buildings and the impact of flying debris. Although some injuries may initially appear minor, many can escalate to serious conditions and potentially result in death during earthquake events if timely medical care is not received.

To Wrap Up

Earthquakes present significant dangers, including the potential for collapsing structures, secondary hazards, and severe injuries, extending beyond the mere shaking of the ground. By comprehending these risks, adhering to safety protocols, and preparing both physically and financially, one can greatly mitigate potential losses. Awareness, preparedness, and protection collectively contribute to saving lives and ensuring the safety of families.

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FAQs

What causes most injuries during an earthquake?

The majority of injuries associated with earthquakes occur due to collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects caused by ground shaking, or when individuals attempt to move more than a few feet during the tremors.
What are the negative impacts of an earthquake?

Earthquakes can lead to various consequences such as ground shaking, soil liquefaction, landslides, fissures, avalanches, fires, and tsunamis.
How should injuries from an earthquake be treated?

Treatment for injuries suffered during an earthquake focuses in life-saving interventions, fluid resuscitation to avert kidney failure, and the management of trauma such as crush syndrome and fractures.
What causes the most deaths in earthquakes?

Building collapses cause most earthquake fatalities. Falls from debris, walls, and roofs pose the most significant danger to inhabitants. Triggered fires, landslides, and tsunamis are other prominent causes.
What is the biggest danger during an earthquake?

The intense ground shaking that collapses buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure is the biggest danger during earthquake.

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˜The insurers/plans mentioned are arranged in order of highest to lowest Sum Assured(SA) offered by Policybazaar’s insurer partners offering term insurance plans on our platform, as per ‘first year premium of life insurers as at 31.03.2025 report’ published by IRDAI.

Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the IRDAI website www.irdai.gov.in

Rs. 400/month is starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

Rs. 400/month (Rs.13/day) is starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 230 is starting price for a 50 lakhs term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

+Rs. 8/day is starting price for a 50 lakhs term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

+Rs. 12/day is starting price for a 75 lakhs term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

+Rs. 497/month is starting price for a 1.5 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 487/month is starting price for a 2 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 626/month is starting price for a 3 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 905/month is starting price for a 5 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. ₹361/month is the starting price for a ₹1 crore loan cover with an 8% interest rate for an 18-year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, loan tenure up to 20 years, rounded off to the nearest 10

+Rs. 1,267/month is starting price for a 7 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

*The full refund of premium is available on availing the one-time option of refund of premium. Total premium paid for policy (paid for add-ons) will be the special exit value, payable on availing the one-time option of refund of premium if you wish to completely exit the policy.

+Rs. 447/month is starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs.679/month is starting price for a 2 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 910/month is starting price for a 3 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 1,374/month is starting price for a 5 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 1,924month is starting price for a 7 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

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+Rs. 400/month is Starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old Female, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

Rs. 461/month is the starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 24 year-old female, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 54 years of age.

1,642/month is the starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 44 year-old female, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 74 years of age.

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