Why is an earthquake considered a natural disaster?

 An earthquake is considered a natural disaster because it is a natural phenomenon that can have destructive consequences. Earthquakes occur when the Earth's crust moves, causing the ground to shake and tremble. They are usually caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which are large pieces of the Earth's crust that are constantly moving and shifting. Earthquakes can also be caused by volcanic activity or the collapse of underground mines. The strength and duration of an earthquake is measured using a scale called the Richter scale, which is based on the amplitude of the seismic waves produced by the earthquake. Earthquakes can cause a range of damaging effects, including collapsing buildings, landslides, and tsunamis, which can lead to loss of life, injury, and destruction of property.