Surviving an Earthquake in Spanish [Important Vocabulary]

Earthquake vocabulary might not be the first thing you think of when learning Spanish, but after our experience living in Puerto Rico, we decided this is a lesson worth sharing. Multiple earthquakes and aftershocks rocked the island in 2020. And although this isn’t a common problem in Puerto Rico, it is a concern in much of the Spanish-speaking world.

In Puerto Rico, multiple earthquakes and aftershocks are rocking the island. The quakes have destroyed numerous homes, schools, and churches across  Latin American and the Caribbean.

But before we dive in, where can you expect potential earthquakes?

Which Latin American Countries Have Earthquakes?

Earthquakes can affect any location at any time, but some countries see far more than others. Specifically, in the Spanish-speaking world, earthquakes are most common in Argentina, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. And every part of a country sees the same amount of seismic activity. Mountainous regions can often help shelter an area of a country from more serious destruction.

Why does Puerto Rico have so many Earthquakes?

Puerto Rico is stuck between the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates. The Caribbean plate is moving east relative to the North American plate at a rate of around 2 centimeters a year, which is a fair amount of motion to have to accommodate. That may not seem like a lot, but the friction between the two plates as they shift is massive. In 2020 alone, 950 earthquakes hit Puerto Rico!

While nobody ever wants to be caught in a natural disaster, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Today, we wanted to share some vocabulary to get you ready in case you ever find yourself in a Spanish-speaking country during an earthquake. 

Be Prepared with Spanish Earthquake Vocabulary

Here in San Juan, Puerto Rico, there have been several earthquakes since we moved here. Of course, in English, we call them earthquakes but there are several words used in Spanish to describe the different levels of earthquakes. We have three main terms that we use in Spanish when we’re talking about earthquakes:

1. Sismo. A word that is commonly used on the news and in newspapers. It is usually used during announcements and to warn people. 
2. Temblor. The preferred word for most Spanish speakers. It is an earthquake-like event that you barely notice or feel. 
3. Terremoto. This is the word for very large earthquakes. You barely hear of this word because most earthquakes are a lot smaller, and that’s not the go-to word for smaller quakes.

Some words or phrases that are also helpful in this situation are:

1. replica or replicas – aftershocks
2. falla – fault
3. placas tectonicas – tectonic plates
4. hipocentro – hypocenter
5. foco – focal point
6. epicentro – epicenter
7. maremoto – tidal wave
8. tsunami – tsunami
9. advertencia de tsunami – tsunami warning
10. la escala de richter – richter scale (a measure of the strength of earthquakes)
11. salida de emergencia – emergency exit
12. ruta de evacuación – evacuation route
13. ¡Está temblando! – It’s shaking! 
14. ¿Está Temblando? – Is it shaking?
15. ¿Lo Sentiste? – Did you feel it?
16. ¿Sentiste El Temblor? – Did you feel the earthquake?
17. ¿Dónde Te Agarró El Temblor? – Where were you when the earthquake hit?

Emergency Preparation Supplies in Spanish

Since our first earthquake, we started thinking we should probably have some plan in place just in case a bad one happens and we have to grab and go. Let’s talk about some emergency items you might want to have on hand in case of an emergency. (I suggest keeping these in a backpack you have ready at all times): 

1. mochila/bulto – backpack
2. agua – water / botellas de agua – water bottle
3. documentos importantes – important documents (Essential documents like your ID)
4. baterías or pilas – batteries 
5. linterna – flashlight or velas – candles 
6. alimentos enlatados – canned goods
7. alimentos no perecederos – non perishable food
8. botiquín de primeros auxilios – first aid kit including:
   • alcohol – alcohol 
   • curitas – band aids
9. un cambio de ropa – a change of clothes
10. productos de higiene personal básicos – basic personal hygiene products like:
    • cepillo de dientes – toothbrush
    • desodorante – deodorant
    • un jabón – a bar of soap

Unlike storms, where you can get ready, monitor it, and know what’s going to happen, earthquakes occur without any announcement. Nobody knows when or how big or small they’re going to be. 

For that reason, it’s best to be prepared. By preparing a few emergency items and learning the right vocabulary you’ll be much better positioned should an earthquake happen the next time you’re abroad.