Earthquakes are dangerous due to several direct and indirect hazards they cause, including ground shaking, ground rupture, tsunamis, fires, floods, landslides, and soil liquefaction. The most immediate danger to humans often comes from collapsing buildings during ground shaking. Indirect hazards such as fires caused by broken gas lines and flooding due to dam failures can also cause significant fatalities and property damage. Additionally, earthquakes can trigger landslides, tsunamis along coasts, and soil liquefaction, which destabilizes the ground and can cause buildings to sink or tip over. The level of danger depends on factors like earthquake magnitude, location, local geology, and building practices. Being in open areas away from structures generally reduces risk during an earthquake. Overall, earthquakes can be very dangerous, especially in densely populated or poorly prepared areas.