Earthquakes are caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface. They can strike without warning and can occur at any time. In the U.S., 45 states and territories are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes.
Globally, 81% of earthquakes occur along the world's earthquake belt, the circum-Pacific seismic belt, found along the rim of the Pacific Ocean. It has earned the nickname "Ring of Fire" for this reason. Japan and Indonesia are among the world's top most earthquake-prone countries.
Save the Children’s emergency experts share 10 earthquake safety tips including what you can do before, during and after an earthquake.
