Earthquakes: Are we ready?

Just finished reading the latest National Geographic. Interesting articles on predicting the next big earthquakes. There's even a map detailing a global view of earthquake risk.

Remember when we were in school, when studying Geography, we were taught that Malaysia is fortunate to be outside the Pacific Rim, thus free and safe from earthquakes? Well, not according to the map in National Geographic.

The map divides the risk into two categories: high risk and low risk; and further divides each category into four sections depending on population density. Therefore, in a high risk area, the danger is greater when the population is bigger. Makes sense - common logic after all.

Now, the interesting part for me is when we scrutinise the map. I find it quite disturbing to note that from Penang up north down to Melaka (as such includes Kuala Lumpur), the map states that these parts (west coast of Peninsula Malaysia) as well as half of Sabah (on the eastern coast) are considered vulnerable to earthquakes devastation. In other words, very high risk areas.

Scary, huh? So with this new insight, we can scrap what we learn in school.

But more seriously though, are we prepared to face earthquake risks? Are our buildings strong enough? Are our elevated highways secure enough? (Think MRR2). More importantly, are we ready to face something like an earthquake?

Remember when we were hit by the Tsunami? (Again, we were taught in school that Tsunami only happens in Japan). We were clearly taken off guard. That time, we were fortunate because the devastation was not as big, simply because we were protected by Sumatera.

But just imagine the ramification if an earthquake were to hit at the heart of KLCC.

Nightmarish thought indeed.