When we created a list of likely apocalypses, Environmental Disaster was one of the top suggestions and fears. Let’s do a deeper dive into the end of the world at the hands of an environmental disaster.
What is the Most Likely Apocalyptic Environmental Disaster?
You’re probably aware of some major environmental disasters that have affected thousands or millions of lives around the world. Some of the most common include Chernobyl, Bhopal, Kuwaiti Oil Fires, Love Canal, The Exxon Valdez, The Aral Sea, and Tokaimura Nuclear Plant among others. All these disasters are in the past. The next major disaster that shocks the world to its roots is not far away.
A major earthquake that destroys the United States is increasingly likely.
What will it look like?
In 2016, eight powerful earthquakes hit the South Asia. The area around the Pacific was also not spared. The earthquakes led to the deaths of hundreds of people in Ecuador and Japan.
These earthquakes have convinced scientists that a major one that changes life as it is known today is likely to happen soon. How soon it can occur is still the subject of great debate. This concern was the foundation for the movie called San Andreas.
How will it happen?
It’s interesting that twenty of the last twenty-five mega earthquakes to hit the earth have occurred during a new moon or full moon. Scientists believe that the area around San Andreas Fault and Cascadia Subduction Zone is due a major earthquake soon. In fact, they projected such an earthquake would occur in 2016. Now that it never happened, they are convinced that all signs point out to one occurring soon.
What to expect?
When such a major earthquake hits, life will come to a halt. Buildings will collapse. Dams will be overrun by water, hence causing floods. Such an earthquake would destroy human life, cause injuries to millions. Businesses will be destroyed and probably have to be re-established. Life in the West Coast parts of the United States will never be the same. Hospitals and schools will have no choice other than shutting down.
The environmental disaster that the earthquake leaves behind is hard to imagine at this point.
How to prepare for it?
Often, earthquakes strike without prior warning; hence, the reason it causes a lot of devastation. The best way you can be prepared for one is by stocking up on the foodstuff you need for the next three days (or 72 hours).
If possible, get enough food to last you a week.
Also, store enough water to last you three days to a week. You will need a gallon per day. Apart from food and water, you will also need the following items:
- first aid kit
- disinfectants
- fire extinguishers
- flashlights with plenty of batteries
- portable radio
- extra blankets, shoes, money, and clothes
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How to survive it
It’s possible to survive a mega earthquake that causes devastation everywhere you look. First, stay away from things that are likely to fall. Avoid all danger spots. Stay away from fireplaces, windows, and electric appliances.
Also, it’s good practice to secure all toxic, non-toxic, flammable and inflammable chemicals. Do not forget to inform your family of the disaster plan that you have created.