Adaptability of lessons learnt from recent medium-sized earthquakes to moderate seismic zones – disaster management perspectives for unprepared societies

Being part of the expert team sent by Hungarian National Directorate General for Disaster Management to Tirana after the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in 2019, and experienced the fear of residents living in slightly or heavily cracked buildings raised the question of preparedness to against seismic events in other moderate seismic regions such as Hungary. Recent earthquakes within the moderate range have proved that moderate seismicity does not necessarily equate to moderate damage suffered.

Vulnerability to earthquakes has increased due to extending urban areas. This paper presents lessons learnt after medium-sized earthquakes and examines the adaptability of measures taken afterwards and the possibility to apply these methods to other regions in Hungary and throughout Europe where the seismic hazard is not great, but cannot be ignored. To reduce the potential damage, a comprehensive assessment of the seismic risk followed by a package of relevant remedial measures is needed. Methods developed for Hungary is presented compared to methods applied in other regions to determine local site effects, vulnerability, and preparedness, being the main components responsible to risks. Based on the results, engineers can better plan to make improvements to infrastructure, and authorities can better plan for emergency activities in case of a seismic event.