Primary and secondary effects of tectonic hazards

Primary effects

Secondary effects

People injured or killed: falling debris and collapsing buildings can injure or kill people. Others may be trapped under rubble requiring rescue and medical attention.
Property damage: homes, offices, and other buildings can collapse, leaving people homeless or businesses destroyed.
Transport links damaged: roads, railways, and ports can be destroyed, making it challenging to get aid to the affected areas.
Pipes and power lines broken: water pipes can burst, cutting off water supplies. Electricity cables can snap, causing power cuts.

Fires from broken gas pipes: gas leaks can cause fires which destroy more buildings and put lives at risk.
Lack of fresh water: can lead to diseases like cholera if people drink dirty water.
Blocked transport links: roads and railways can be blocked by rubble, inhibiting emergency services from helping people.
Businesses lose money: shops and factories may have to close due to damage. Governments and people spend more money on repairing buildings instead of growing the economy and improving infrastructure.

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