Due to its geographical location, Peru belongs to the famous Pacific Ring of Fire. Area where 80% of earthquakes occur and the highest volcanic activity on our planet.
Specifically, the earthquakes that manifest in our territory have their genesis through the Subduction process of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate.
The Nazca Plate with a contact extension of 4000 Km., Is responsible for the great geological survey and folding (More than 6000 Mts.), Which has given rise to the Andes mountain range and an active volcanism in the south of our country. If we add to this geophysical phenomenon, the Pacific Anticyclone and the presence of the Peruvian Marine Current, we will obtain the varied and wonderful climate of which we are the owners.
With this superficial knowledge of Nazca and the formation of the Andes.
Could we conceive of these phenomena without huge and long earthquakes ?; and the Nazca Plate, which is still being introduced under South America at a rate of 12 cm. per year Could it generate Earthquakes and Tsunamis in the coastal strip as or stronger than those of 1746 ……. 1940, 1966, 1970, 1974, 2001,2007 etc.?
As we know, these phenomena are cyclical, they will always occur; In what period? What day and at what time? nobody can forecast them, but; Scientific studies and experience have shown us that… the further we are from the last earthquake, the closer we are to the next.
The last earthquake registered in Lima was on October 3, 1974, thank God it was a non-working day for schoolchildren. Much of old Lima such as El Rímac, Barranco, Chorrillos and El Callao suffered irreparable loss of human life and serious damage to infrastructure in general.
33 years have passed since the last earthquake that affected Lima and the Seismic Silence is long.
Are we prepared to face the consequences of an earthquake?
What would we do if it showed up at night?
If the earthquake surprises us when our children are at school, academy or university. Have we coordinated actions, do we have a Family Response Plan?
What radio will we tune in after the earthquake?
If it is a weekday and you are away from home, what will your family do, as they would communicate, who would pick up the children from school; Where would they be if your home is seriously damaged?
Do we have a medicine cabinet at home, at work, in the car?
Is there a Civil Defense security plan in the work center?
In general, are we trained to know what to do?
If we are on the beach vacationing, what will we do?
If we are in the car?
Are we trained in First Aid?
If a fire hazard occurs as a result of the earthquake, could you control it?
These are one of the few questions that we ask ourselves, because we have taken the inalienable responsibility of supporting actions that lead to reducing damage to life, heritage and the environment in our beloved Peru, developing issues related to Disaster Prevention in pro to forge a Culture of Prevention.
Here are some basic measurements.
Before
- Make a Family Plan in Civil Defense. Assign the tasks to each member, for example: Who lowers the electric power key, who the gas key, who opens the doors, etc. Identify the safe areas in your home. evacuation are always free of slippery doormats, flower pots, bookshelves and badly anchored pictures. Try to have at home a flashlight, batteries, wireless radio, candles, matches, lighter, copy of important documents and a reserve of money; as well as blankets, basic kit and non-perishable food (canned).If you have children at home, do not forget disposable diapers, bottle, milk, porridge, toys, etc. Make drills at home and put into practice your Civil Defense Plan. Evacuation considers the possible fall (from upper floors) of pots, cornices, glass, cables, etc.The toilets are not a safety zone in case of earthquakes or fires, respectively. Organize yourself in First Response Brigades in coordination with the Civil Defense Committee of your District and train yourself.
During
- Try to keep calm. Open the door and evacuate to safe areas. Execute the Family Plan in Civil Defense. Collaborate and support the actions of the Operational Brigades and Volunteers in Civil Defense. Stay constantly informed about the actions of your local authorities. Tune in Radio San Borja or RPP (Radioprogramas del Perú).
After
- Participate in the rehabilitation work of basic services. Analyze what has been executed in your Family Civil Defense Plan and update it.
