It is not earthquakes that kill, but unstable buildings

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Engineering Academic staff Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pekrioğlu Balkıs, speaking within the scope of the 1-7 March Earthquake Week stated, “Millions of earthquakes occur in the world every year, however a small percentage of these are felt and cause damage”.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Balkıs advised that earthquakes are typically caused by the existing tension between tectonic plates, but also indicated that it can be caused by volcanic eruptions or man-made eruptions.

Drawing attention to the population growth in earthquake-prone regions and the subject of increasing construction in cities, Balkıs noted that earthquakes will have a stronger impact upon human communities in the years to come.

Stating that in this regard, the last major earthquakes experienced in Japan, New Zealand and Chile are possible examples, Assist. Prof. Dr. Balkıs went on to remind, “in September 1953, a devastating earthquake at a 6.1 magnitude occurred in the Paphos Region and as a result, 40 people died, with more than 100 people injured and 4000 people were left homeless”. Elaborating that 1,600 houses were completely destroyed within a few seconds, with 10,000 buildings being severely damaged, Balkıs noted that in general, earthquakes do not kill people, but that it is the collapsing buildings that cause death.

An earthquake of 5 to 6 magnitude occurs in Cyprus every 36 years

Noting that statistics are unlikely to predict the future, Assist. Prof. Dr. Balkıs said that earthquakes of magnitudes of 5 to 6 occur in Cyprus every 36 years.

In this sense, Balkıs advised that strengthening strategies such as the monitoring of buildings structural sustainability in seismic control systems and especially in hospitals buildings and so on. Should be adopted and developed, with Balkıs also advising, “Such efforts will reduce the effects of future seismic activities to a minimum, while also minimizing deaths and injuries. It is for this reason that it is essential to use developed technologies within building designs”.