In Case of an Earthquake

What should be done in case of an earthquake or a seismic wave?

According to the “Safety Guide for Earthquakes,” published by the Korean Meteorological Administration, you need to protect your body by ducking under sturdy furniture like a table or a desk when indoors. Also, it is better to stay in narrow rooms, like in a bathroom near the toilet, because there is less chance of the room collapsing compared to a wider room.

In the event of a seismic wave, people in coastal areas must evacuate to higher grounds immediately. Though the average height of waves measured back in 1983 and 1993 stood around two to three meters, you must reach grounds high enough to avoid tidal waves, which can reach up to five meters at times in some areas.

Vessels in operation should standby out of the port. It is also better for vessels anchored at ports to sail out into further oceans if possible.

Most seismic waves that raid Korean grounds are caused by earthquakes at the western coast of Japan, and it takes about 60 to 90 minutes for the waves to reach the Korean peninsula.

Jong-Dae Ha Kang-Myoung Chang orionha@donga.com tesomiom@donga.com