Relocation

Earthquake happens when the ground is shaking due to an abrupt shift of rock along a fracture in the Earth (Anon1, http://www.earthquake.usgs.gov). The impact of earthquake was felt in many countries. Earthquake can damages the infrastructures and make loss of livelihood (Vatsa, 2001). The important thing is how to recovery the victim of this natural disaster. I think that relocated should be done to the cities located in high-risk earthquake areas despite opposition based on economic and historic reasons.

The first, earthquake damages the infrastructures. "Shaking and ground rupture are the main effects created by earthquakes, principally resulting in more or less severe damage to buildings or other rigid structures" (Anon2, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake). The earthquakes may displace the surface of the earth along the trace of the fault. This main effects are breaking the important infrastructures, such as buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and so on.

Secondly, earthquake makes loss of livelihood. Earthquake may damages the center of life, such as disease-makers, corrupt the basic necessities, and even makes loss of lifes . Most of them lost their houses, properties, and tools and they are likely face the bleak days after the earthquakes (Vatsa, 2001). This changes of built environment are traumatic for the victims (Thorp, 2006). This disaster is dangerous for societies who lives in the high-risk earthquake areas.

In fact, in recent years, the number of major earthquakes per year is actually decreased, although this is likely a statistical fluctuation (Vatsa, 2001). In general, Government always keeps the victim areas and then make the rehabilitation there. Many reasons as the basics, like economics, politics, culturals, and so on. It is not just the policy of Government, but also the wish of the societies because they have historical experiences with their cities. To solve the high-risk from the earthquake, Government must take the fast decision. One of the decision is relocation. The damages above can be the consideration to deal with that decision.

In conclusion, earthquake is a high-risk natural disaster in the world. Many things can losses because of this disaster. The Government must have the policy to relocated the cities located in high-risk earthquake areas despite opposition based on economic and historic reason.

References :
Today's Earthquake Fact. U.S. Geological Survey Home Page. (2008, February 6) [Online Article]. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from the World Wide Web:http://www.earthquake.usgs.gov
Vatsa, K.S. (2001, March 16). A Reconnaissance Report Identification of Priority Issues. [Online Journal]. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from the World Wide Web : http://www.drmonline.net/drmlibrary/gujarat.htm
Earthquake. Wikipedia, Free Encyclopedia Home Page. (2007, December) [Online Article]. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from the World Wide Web:http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake
Thorp, S.M. (2006). Intergrating Historic Preservation and Disaster Management. [Online Journal]. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from the World Wide Web : http://repository.upenn.edu/hp_theses/18/