ICSE Class 9 Answered

Destructive effects of earthquakes are:

Loss of human lives: Earthquakes measuring 7 and above on the Richter scale may result in the loss of human lives. According to the estimated figures, on an average 15,000 people are killed every year due to earthquakes. 

Loss of property: Earthquakes inflict serious damage to buildings, structures, roads, bridges, railways etc.

Submergence: Many coastal areas get submerged in water due to earthquakes. For example, Dwarka in Gujarat now lies submerged in water. 

Change in the  course of rivers: Powerful earthquakes may change the course of rivers which may render an area infertile.

Fires: After earthquakes, fire may also break out. This may happen due to the throwing of an inflammable material onto broken gas lines etc. In the earthquake of 1906 in San Francisco, a great fire broke out which proved to be more destructive than the earthquake itself.

Tsunamis: These are caused due to the occurring of earthquakes in the sea. Tsunamis can cause huge destruction in the coastal regions.