An earthquake is a sudden and intense shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. This movement can generate seismic waves, which produce the vibrations that are felt on the surface. Earthquakes can vary in magnitude, from minor tremors that are barely noticeable to major events that can cause significant destruction and loss of life. They often occur along fault lines, where tectonic plates meet. Seismologists measure the strength of earthquakes using instruments called seismometers, and they are commonly rated on the Richter scale or the moment magnitude scale (Mw). Earthquakes can also trigger secondary events such as tsunamis, landslides, and aftershocks, which can exacerbate damage and complicate emergency responses.
**Recent seismic activity has alarmed residents near the epicenter of a powerful earthquake**. According to the United States Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center (USGS NEIC), the earthquake's intensity reached…