7.6 magnitude Costa Rica earthquake: 2 dead, 7.0 magnitude Haiti earthquake: over 316, 000 dead

Just two people were killed by the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Costa Rica.

I repeat it again, only two people lost their lives

In addution, the damages were very limited in Costa Rica. It was reported that a few blocked highways and some collapsed houses were all the destructions there . Again, the death toll was two; one died of a heart attack and the another from trauma. The Red Cross had reported a total of 20 injuries as a result of earthquake in Costa Rica

With that in mind, let's look back for a moment ans see exactly what happened in Haiti following the January 12, 2010 earthquake. 316,000 dead, an estimated three million people affected, an estimated 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings collapsed or severely damaged. Additionally, the communication systems, air, land, and sea transport facilities, hospitals, and electrical networks damaged by the earthquake. Two of Haiti's largest cellular telephone providers, Digicel and Comcel Haiti, both reported that their services had been affected by the earthquake. Port-au-Prince's morgues were overwhelmed with tens of thousands of bodies that had to be buried in mass graves.

What's wrong with that picture?

Some difference that are worth mentioning between the two quakes such as Costa Rica's earthquake was 25 miles below the surface, while Haiti was only 8.1.

The following is a list of things you can do before and during an earthquake:

Make sure you have an earthquake readiness plan and you communicate it with the entire family.

Have a professional to assess your home to make recommendations on how to make the home sturdier, such as bolting furniture to wall studs, installing strong latches on cupboards, etc..

Find a safe place in each area of the home that you can go to in case of an earthquake. make sure you select a place where things are not likely to fall on you such as closet, etc..

Keep a supply of up-to-date first aid kit with dust masks, goggles, a working battery-operated radio and flashlights.

During the quake: Drop down the moment you feel that there is an earthquake in the area

Take cover under a desk, table or something hard and hold on.

Stay inside until you feel the earthquake stops completely and it's safe to exit.

Stay away from objects or furniture that can fall on you.

If you are in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow.

If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

If you are in a car, slow down and stay inside of the car until the quake is over.

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Read more: Earthquake, Disaster, Costa Rica, Disaster

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