For those who have been trapped in ruins after earthquake, survival depends on many factors, such as weather and access to water and air. If their wounds are not very serious, victims can survive for a week or more, provided the weather is not too hot or cold, experts say.

Most of the rescues are made within 24 hours after a disaster. The chances of survival are reduced to every day after that, experts say.

However, small miracles occur: In the recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar, with over 3,000 dead, people were rescued after 6 days buried in debris. After the earthquake and tsunami of 2011 in Japan, a teenager and his 80 -year -old grandmother found themselves alive after nine days trapped in their leveled home. And last year, a 16-year-old girl from Haiti was saved from the ruins of the earthquake in Port-O-Prenz after 15 days.

The factors contributing to a successful rescue

Trapped victims are more likely to survive if they are in a “surviving empty space”, as experts say- a space without debris that prevents serious injuries while waiting for the rescue, such as under a robust office or trapped in a random recess or another.

If a fire, tobacco or dangerous chemicals are released as a result of the collapse of the building, they may reduce a person’s chances of survival, said emergency expert Dr. Joseph Barbera, Associate Professor. Beyond that, having air to breathe and water to drink is vital as the days go by.

“You could survive for a while without food but much less without water,” Barbera told Art.

Temperatures where someone is trapped can affect survival and temperatures outside the ruins can affect rescue missions.

Also, power outages, telecommunications collapse and lack of heavy machinery in the event of an earthquake. They can slow rescue operations – as happened in Myanmar.

It is also very important for survivors to receive vital medical care before they are removed from the ruins, according to Barbera. If not, the accumulation of toxins by the injured muscles could make them shock after being rescued.

What to do during an earthquake

Optimal survival practices during an earthquake depend on where you are in the world. Building codes in areas with active crack lines are often designed to withstand earthquakes, but this is not the case everywhere.

In many countries the best practices are to fall to the ground and look for coverage unless you are near a building exit.

Look for shelter under a heavy table or close to robust furniture that can create a gap in which you can be covered if the roof collapses.

Cover your face with a cloth or mask to protect it from dust and residues.

If you are trapped in the ruins after an earthquake, save energy and do not exaggerate.

Economy in the food and water you may have by your side, listen to rescue calls and look for something near you to make noise.

If you have a phone with you, save his battery and try to call for help for a while every day.