Just because your country rarely has earthquakes doesn’t mean it’s safe.
More than 70% of the world’s population lives near seismic zones — including areas like Europe, Africa, and Central US.
Your Country Might Not Be Safe from Earthquakes
— Why Low-Risk Nations Should Still Be Prepared
When people think of earthquakes, countries like Japan, Chile, or Indonesia often come to mind. These “earthquake-prone” nations are well known for their frequent seismic activity and advanced disaster preparedness. But if you live in a country that rarely experiences earthquakes, you might assume you’re safe—and that assumption could be dangerous.
Earthquakes Can Happen Almost Anywhere
Earthquakes are not limited to specific countries. In fact, more than 70% of the world’s population lives in areas with some level of seismic risk. Regions such as the central United States, parts of Europe, North Africa, and even Australia have experienced damaging earthquakes in the past century. While these events may be rare, their impact can be devastating precisely because communities are often unprepared.
Even places like New York City or London are not entirely free from seismic risk. Small quakes have occurred, and fault lines exist—though they are not as active as in California or Japan.
In many low-risk countries, building codes don’t consider earthquakes, emergency services may not be trained for seismic disasters, and the general public may have no idea how to respond when the ground starts shaking. This lack of experience can lead to panic, injury, and unnecessary loss of life.
It’s not just about the quake—it’s about preparedness. Earthquakes strike without warning. You have no time to Google “what to do” when it happens. That’s why every second counts.
Even if your country isn’t known for earthquakes, basic steps can make a big difference:
Countries with frequent earthquakes have spent decades building a “culture of preparedness.” Japan conducts nationwide drills, Chile has early warning systems, and schools across New Zealand teach earthquake response from childhood.
But we don’t have to wait for a disaster to change. Learning from these countries can help us create a safer, more resilient world, even in places where earthquakes are rare.
It’s Better to Be Overprepared Than Overwhelmed
Disaster strikes when we least expect it. Just because your country isn’t famous for earthquakes doesn’t mean you’re immune. Don’t wait for the ground to shake before you act. A little preparation today could save lives tomorrow.
⚠️ Think again.
Earthquakes can happen almost anywhere.