【Explained by a Former Firefighter】Secondary Disasters After Earthquakes

Many people survive the initial earthquake, only to be injured or killed by what comes next. Fires, gas leaks, aftershocks, landslides, and infrastructure failures create secondary disasters that often cause more damage than the shaking itself. As a former firefighter who responded to post-earthquake emergencies, I explain why secondary disasters are so dangerous—and how to survive them.

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■① Why Secondary Disasters Are More Deadly Than the Quake

Secondary disasters escalate risk because:

• Emergency services are overwhelmed
• Infrastructure is already damaged
• People relax too early
• Hazards appear gradually

Most serious injuries occur after the shaking stops.

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■② The Most Dangerous Belief: “The Earthquake Is Over”

People get hurt because they assume:

• Danger ended with the shaking
• It is safe to move freely
• Systems will function normally

As a firefighter, I saw people injured minutes to hours after the main quake.

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■③ Fire Outbreaks After Earthquakes

Fire risk increases due to:

• Broken gas lines
• Electrical short circuits
• Delayed fire response

Post-earthquake fires spread rapidly through weakened buildings.

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■④ Gas Leaks and Explosions

Gas hazards are silent:

• Leaks accumulate indoors
• Ignition occurs from switches or flames
• Explosions happen during re-entry

Many fatalities occur when people return too soon.

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■⑤ Aftershocks and Structural Collapse

Aftershocks cause:

• Partial building failures
• Falling debris and glass
• Injuries during cleanup

Firefighters often respond to aftershock-related injuries, not the main quake.

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■⑥ Landslides and Ground Failure

Ground hazards include:

• Slope collapse near homes
• Road failures
• Foundation movement

These dangers may appear hours or days later, especially after rain.

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■⑦ Infrastructure Failure as a Disaster Multiplier

System failures create new risks:

• Power outages leading to heat or cold exposure
• Water loss causing sanitation issues
• Communication failure increasing panic

Secondary disasters compound each other.

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■⑧ Firefighter Lessons From Post-Earthquake Responses

From field experience:

• Secondary hazards caused most rescues
• Early caution prevented injuries
• People who slowed down stayed safer

Earthquake survival requires patience and awareness.

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■Summary｜Earthquakes Trigger Chains of Hidden Disasters

The shaking is only the beginning. Secondary disasters create prolonged danger.

Conclusion:
As a former firefighter who responded to countless post-earthquake emergencies, I can say clearly that surviving the quake is not enough. People who remain cautious, avoid re-entry hazards, and respect secondary risks survive. After earthquakes, the second wave of danger is often the deadliest.