Survival for individuals trapped in earthquake rubble is a complex equation, influenced by a confluence of factors including weather, access to air and water, and the presence of intact void spaces, according to emergency response experts. While most rescues occur within the first 24 hours after a disaster, there have been instances of survivors being found days or even weeks later.
The immediate aftermath of an earthquake presents the most critical window for rescue. The longer a person remains trapped, the more their chances of survival diminish. Injuries sustained during the collapse, such as those from falling debris, can significantly impede recovery. However, survivors can endure for a week or more if their injuries are not severe and if they are located in a pocket of space that protects them from crushing forces, geophysicist Victor Tsai of Brown University explained. These "survivable void spaces" can be formed by sturdy furniture or other debris.
Access to breathable air and potable water are paramount for sustained survival. While food is less critical in the short term, dehydration poses a significant threat. "You could survive a while without food,” Dr. Joseph Barbera, an emergency response expert at George Washington University, stated. “You could survive less without water.” The presence of hazardous materials, such as those released by fires or chemical spills resulting from building collapses, can also decrease survival odds.
Environmental conditions play a dual role, affecting both the trapped victim and the rescue operations. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can hasten the decline of a trapped person's condition. Simultaneously, external weather patterns can complicate and slow down the efforts of search and rescue teams.
Building codes in seismically active regions are often designed to mitigate earthquake damage, but their effectiveness varies globally. In many countries, including the United States, recommended safety procedures during an earthquake involve dropping to the ground, seeking cover under sturdy furniture, and holding on until the shaking stops. This strategy aims to create a protective space should structures collapse.
For those who find themselves trapped, conserving energy is vital. Experts advise against overexertion, rationing any available food and water, and listening for rescue efforts. Making noise to signal location can be helpful, but should be done judiciously to save energy. If a mobile phone is available, conserving its battery and using it for brief, targeted calls for help can increase the chances of being located.
In some documented cases, individuals have survived for extended periods. Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a teenager and his grandmother were rescued after nine days. Similarly, a 16-year-old girl in Haiti was found alive 15 days after an earthquake in 2010. More recently, a 32-year-old woman in Colombia was pulled from collapsed building in Pereira after being trapped for 36 hours, demonstrating that hope can persist even after the initial 24-hour window.