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Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz BABS
Erdbeben

Earthquakes

Back to Know your hazards

What's the issue?

Earthquakes are caused by a sudden release of tension along faults in the earth’s crust. In Switzerland, some 10 to 15 quakes occur each year that are strong enough to be felt by humans. We only hear of strong earthquakes from far off, but we have to reckon with strong ones in Switzerland too. Earthquakes are unpredictable; epicentre and strength cannot be foretold.

What does it mean for me?

In a strong earthquake, homes, buildings and other infrastructure are damaged. People may be injured by collapsing houses or toppling parts. Residential houses may be temporally uninhabitable or possible aftershocks may prohibit a return. If roads and railway lines are destroyed, traffic connections will also be interrupted. Telephone lines can be interrupted by a strong quake and the mobile phone service may be overtaxed. In the worst case, vital goods such as water, electricity and food cannot be obtained for several days.

If the damaged area is extensive and badly accessible for rescue units and relief organisations, you may be on your own or need to depend on your neighbours for the first hours to days.

Examples

Specific behavioural recommendations

  1. Seek cover (e.g. under a stable table) and protect your head.
  2. Be ready to cope with aftershocks.
  3. If the damage is severe, leave the building.
  4. Check whether gas, water pipes and electric cables are damaged and switch them off if you are uncertain.


General behavioural recommendations

  1. Inform yourself via radio and television and follow the instructions given by the authorities and emergency organisations.
  2. Call the emergency services only in an emergency.
  3. Use the telephone and other important means of communication only for important and urgent requirements (danger of network overload).
  4. Use cars and other means of transport only for important and urgent requirements (danger of traffic overload).
  5. Act particularly careful in traffic (danger due to breakdown of traffic lights, barriers etc.).
  6. Inform and support neighbours and people needing assistance in your vicinity.

See also