Paragraph on Earthquakes

An earthquake is caused by a violent shaking of the earth's surface. There are tremors lasting for a few seconds or a few minutes, depending on the intensity of the earthquake. At first, an earthquake makes things like utensils, beds and other household articles rattle. People start running out of the houses to save their lives. If the earthquake is of a greater intensity, houses, buildings and even dams are destroyed. Many people are buried alive under the debris. Trees and electric poles are uprooted. A very severe earthquake changes the features of the earth. Islands may submerge under water. New islands also come up where there were none before. Man is helpless against earthquakes. But it can be predicted and thus, the damage can be reduced.