The following pages/slides describe comprehensive guidelines to address all issues related to an Earthquake Hazard program. These guidelines are designed to be relatively simple, but also accurate and complete. Initially we searched both printed references and Internet sites looking for such a complete document, but without any success. Of course, we did find numerous documents and publications that discuss different aspects of earthquake hazard. We have extensively used different elements from these available publications while developing our own system (see references at the end of this document). This document represents an earthquake hazard framework that we have developed that makes use of abundant available literature and is time-based. That is, we discuss the different components of an earthquake hazard program based on how far or close a particular component is from the origin time of an earthquake. Needless to say, this document will be revised and updated as we receive comments and suggestions from the readers. Earthquake Hazard: A Primer by Muawia Barazangi and Christopher Harig Institute for the Study of the Continents Snee Hall Cornell University Ithaca, New York (July 30, 2004) Please send your comments and suggestions to Muawia Barazangi

Earthquake Hazard in Syria: Assessment 1. Tectonic/geologic framework of Syria 2. Why earthquakes in Syria 3. Active faults in Syria 4. Earthquake distribution, both recent and historical 5. Surface deformation, movement, and shaking during an earthquake 6. A possible tsunami along coastal Syria 7. Local geology and earthquake intensity 8. Likely effects of a major earthquake on engineering structures and subsurface life-line infrastructures 9. What to do

 Assessment (Geological/Geophysical Basic Studies, Engineering aspects, Site Characteristics, Sociology and Human Relations)  Preparedness (Time Based Scale)  During Earthquake (Short Phenomenon)  Response (Time Based Scale)  Recovery (Months, Years) Earthquake Hazard

 Assessment  Seismology: Networks (seismic/strong motion), seismicity, focal mechanisms, attenuation, reflection & refraction, crust & upper mantle structure, tomography, modeling, historical earthquakes, paleoseismology, etc.  Geophysics: GPS, InSAR, gravity/magnetics, GPR, Remote sensing, etc.  Active Tectonics: Field structural geology, trenching, geomorphology, mapping of faults/folds/basins, Quaternary and Recent dating, imagery, etc.  Engineering Aspects: Engineering seismology, earthquake engineering, site characteristics (soil and bedrock), shallow drilling, structural engineering, testing & shaking, modeling, etc.  Sociology and Human Relations  Earthquake Economy and Insurance

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Medium Term Planning (Months)  Imminent Planning Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Individual/Family  Community/State Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Individual/Family  Land Use (finding safe places to live/build)  Home Safety  Workplace Safety Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Individual/Family  Land Use (finding safe places to live/build) While land use may seem like a State responsibility, there is much an individual can do. People can examine the environment and decide not to live in areas with greater natural hazard. Choosing to live in one area of Damascus, for example, versus another could have a great impact during the next earthquake. After being educated about the hazard and risks, individuals are able to make better informed choices about where to live. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Individual/Family  Land Use (finding safe places to live/build)  Home safety Families are the best equipped to determine hazard risk in their home. If they are involved in the construction of a new home, homeowners should take on the responsibility of making sure their construction follows proper seismic building codes. Alternatively, families should examine their current home and determine whether it is secure enough for the hazard. This process varies with locale and building methods. Also, all homeowners living in an earthquake hazard area should invest in earthquake insurance. While saving lives is the first priority, the financial cost of an earthquake disaster is also very significant and sometimes overlooked. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Individual/Family  Land Use (finding safe places to live/build)  Home safety  Workplace Safety It is both the responsibility of the individual and the State to estimate and/or determine the relative safety of the workplace. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Individual/Family  Community/State  Land Use (finding safe places to live/build)  New Construction  Current Structures  Response Infrastructure  Public Education Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Community/State  Land Use (finding safe places to live/build) As the population in seismic hazard areas continues to grow, so does the risk of loss from earthquakes. Land use consideration is one of the simplest things the government can do to prevent earthquake losses. There are several important things that need to be considered when planning for land use: area seismic hazards should be sufficiently mapped (microzonation), geologic hazard reports should be created for new development areas, local/regional hazard information needs to be directly addressed in all site use planning, emergency response to areas of increased hazard should be considered, and cost and speed of recovery should also be considered. Though it is not possible to move mega-cities (such as Damascus), it is quite possible to significantly improve the safety of most infrastructures of such cities. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Community/State  New Construction In this instance the State is in a unique position to greatly impact the safety of many people with a reasonable increase in the cost. The development of seismic building codes and enforcing their use in construction of new private homes, utilities such as power lines, and State buildings such as hospitals and schools have the potential to save many lives and prevent financial losses in a disaster.

Earthquake Hazard  Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Community/State  Current Structures As part of developing a seismically prepared urban environment, existing structures are also in need of attention. The State should study the sustainability and retrofit of existing structures such as schools, hospitals, and lifelines. Retrofitting is a cost effective method of earthquake risk mitigation. The government should also encourage private building owners to upgrade and retrofit their structures with incentives such as tax breaks.

Earthquake Hazard  Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Community/State  Response Infrastructure In addition to risk mitigation, a key goal of the State should be preparing for response in the event of a disaster. At the national level, the state can assist local governments in the development of response infrastructure such as fire and police departments, and urban search and rescue units. They can also provide support for all existing departments through national agencies. These agencies (such as Fire Administration) can aid in the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in response and recovery operations. In addition, it is imperative that the State develop telecommunications at both local and national levels.

Earthquake Hazard  Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Long Term Planning (Years)  Community/State  Public Education It is essential that the population is aware of and understands the basics of earthquake hazards: Schools and the media should be the focus of this education effort.

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Medium Term Planning (Months)  Individual/Family  Community/State Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Medium Term Planning (Months)  Individual/Family  Family Emergency Planning Since emergency personnel cannot help everyone immediately, it is important for families to make their own emergency plan of action after a disaster. The plans can help families stay organized in times of crisis, and can help families to help themselves. These plans can vary in detail, but they should all touch upon the following topics: arrange meeting locations for family members after a disaster, set up a family contact outside of your region to coordinate communication between family members, discuss different actions that are needed for different disasters, and discuss the possibility of an evacuation. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Medium Term Planning (Months)  Individual/Family  Community/State  Disaster Response/Recovery Planning  Public Education  Maintaining Readiness/Response Capabilities  Communications Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Medium Term Planning (Months)  Community/State  Disaster Response/Recovery Planning Disaster response planning is a key aspect of preparedness. It is important that those involved with the response have defined tasks and those in charge of response and relief management have clearly defined responsibilities. For example, before the 1906 San Francisco earthquake the city had one of the best systems of fire departments in the world, but fires burned in the city for over 3 days, due partly to poor planning. Examples of response plans at the State and local level include the U.S. Federal Response Plan and the California Emergency Plan. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Medium Term Planning (Months)  Community/State  Disaster Response/Recovery Planning Continued… Governments should develop response plans that coordinate disaster response between various government agencies and delegate responsibility of response tasks. It is also important that the public have confidence in the preparedness for disasters and management of response. This can be aided by the government’s show of support for those in charge of these areas. Recovery plans can also be very useful in the wake of a disaster. Disasters such as earthquakes provide opportunities for redevelopment of damaged areas, relocation of neighborhoods to safer sites, and upgrading of structures, such as bridges, that were damaged. The State should develop flexible recovery plans which can be tailored to the specific damage caused by a disaster. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Medium Term Planning (Months)  Community/State  Public Education A good way to encourage public preparedness for a disaster is for the public to be educated about the danger they face and about what they can do themselves in terms of preparedness and response. This education can be incorporated into general science curriculum in schools. To educate those not in schools, a public awareness campaign should be undertaken. The government can take advantage of public transportation advertisements and public service announcements on the radio, television, and in newspapers. The government should organize civilian practice drills. Similar to response drills involving police, firefighters, etc., they will help keep the public attentive to the danger of earthquakes. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Medium Term Planning (Months)  Community/State  Maintaining Readiness/Response Capabilities To assure that response authorities are prepared to respond to some of the unique challenges that an earthquake disaster may present, full response practice drills should be performed regularly. These drills will help determine the current state of readiness and response capabilities and determine what areas have the most room for improvement. They will help prevent any deterioration in readiness and response capabilities as well. To provide the most benefit, the drills should attempt to accurately recreate what will be experienced after an earthquake and include activities of firefighters, police, urban search and rescue units, emergency medical response teams, and other personnel. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Medium Term Planning (Months)  Community/State  Communications While communications infrastructure is commonly a private sector responsibility, it is imperative that response authorities have access to communications after a natural disaster. In some instances this access must come at the expense of civilian access to traditional land line and wireless telecommunications. The government should assess its communications need and ability to make use of traditional land line, wireless, and radio communications when necessary. Then, through coordination with telecommunications companies, this information can help assure that government access can be maintained throughout the phases of a disaster. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Imminent Planning  Individual/Family  Community/State Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Imminent Planning  Individual/Family  Emergency Supplies  Family Education  Preparing the Home Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Imminent Planning  Individual/Family  Emergency Supplies An earthquake usually wreaks havoc on utilities such as electricity and natural gas as well as both municipal and natural artesian water supplies. Any disruption or difficulty not only affect families directly but can lead to secondary effects such as a disruption in food availability. Thus it is prudent to prepare for such events by storing an emergency supply of food and bottled water. These items are likely to become scarcer after an earthquake, when they are most needed. Families should store enough supplies for 3-4 days. By that time, if the shortage has not been eliminated, relief supplies should be available. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Imminent Planning  Individual/Family  Family Education As mentioned earlier, the government should undertake a public awareness campaign to help educate the public about the dangers and risks associated with earthquakes. In addition, informed individuals should assume responsibility for educating their family and friends about earthquakes. Each family member should know what to expect and what to do when an earthquake occurs. A simple way to prepare is to perform drills for what to do in the event of an earthquake both at home and at work. They should include actions such as taking shelter during an earthquake and what to do immediately afterward. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Imminent Planning  Individual/Family  Preparing the Home One of the most significant financial costs of an earthquake is from non- structural damage, most of which can be prevented. Individuals should inspect their home for potential hazards and manage them. Large objects such as dressers, light fixtures, and loose objects on shelves should all be secured to something solid such as a wall. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Imminent Planning  Individual/Family  Community/State  Readiness  Response Planning Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Imminent Planning  Community/State  Readiness There should be a continual effort to organize earthquake awareness periods, including the media, and to organize citizen practice drills for duck, cover, and hold procedures. To maintain readiness the State must continually maintain and test response equipment and special communications system. The coastal regions, especially the major coastal cities, should be prepared for possible tsunami. A system for stand-by supplies of food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters should be organized. Also, the State should organize scientific and engineering teams to be ready. Finally, the State should establish a chain of command on all levels of decision making. Earthquake Hazard

 Preparedness (Time Scale Based)  Imminent Planning  Community/State  Response Planning The State should organize a procedure on how to turn off all utilities, industry, and transportation infrastructure. They should also establish contact with neighboring countries and international relief organizations to clarify the nature and amount of anticipated help and support. Earthquake Hazard

 During Earthquake (Short Phenomenon)  Red Cross  FEMA Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Response from Weeks to Months Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Individual/Family  Community/State Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Individual/Family  Red Cross  FEMA Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Individual/Family  Community/State  Response Efforts  Infrastructure Response  Issues of People Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Community/State  Response Efforts After a natural disaster, initial response activities sometimes suffer from a lack of organization and a lack of speed. Following response plans that have been developed will help to organize and bring efficiency to the response effort. Response activities of police, firefighters, urban search and rescue, etc. should be coordinated from a central location. This will allow them to be efficiently directed to where they are needed most. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Community/State  Response Efforts Continued… As part of the response plan a communications center should be created. Its purpose would be to coordinate communications and disaster information sharing among response agencies and/or groups. Special attention and permits should be granted to scientific and engineering teams to inspect and study the affected areas. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Community/State  Response Efforts Continued… The possibility of aftershocks can continue weeks after a large earthquake occurs. Response centers such as command headquarters, interim housing, temporary medical facilities, etc. should be chosen with this in mind. They should be located in areas away from the earthquake if possible to avoid additional damage. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Community/State  Infrastructure Response Hospitals and other municipal buildings such as schools and mosques will play an important role in response. However, before the hospitals begin to accept many earthquake injuries, or before shelters are established in schools and mosques, the safety of these vital buildings should be determined. They should be inspected for earthquake damage and whether they can survive an aftershock. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Community/State  Infrastructure Response Continued… A strong earthquake will likely create disruptions in area lifelines, such as the power grid, natural gas supply, water supply, etc. Responsibility for these lifelines can vary between the State and private utility companies depending on region. However, both sides have a vested interest in restoring the lifelines to full capacity, and should work together to accomplish this quickly. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Community/State  Issues of People Earthquakes often destroy or damage many homes, creating many displaced persons. Shelters need to be organized to provide interim housing while their homes can be rebuilt. Additionally, their food and water needs must be provided for. An important development in disaster relief has been Mobile Hospital units. These nearly self-sufficient units are able to be deployed to disaster areas and supplement the capacity of the local medical facilities. There are certain guidelines to keep in mind when these units are involved. They will help get the most benefit out of the mobile hospital units. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Immediate Response  Community/State  Issues of People Continued… After a disaster, relief supplies from humanitarian groups such as the Red Cross/Red Crescent will likely be available. Management of these supplies, including delivery, storage, distribution, etc., should be coordinated with supplies that the government provides to ensure efficient use and avoid waste. The severity of injuries will vary depending on the magnitude of the earthquake. In the case of a large earthquake, nearby medical facilities will be inundated by minor injury patients. Seriously injured patients should be evacuated out of the disaster area to be treated at other medical facilities. There they can be better treated, and allow the nearby facilities to concentrate on the many more minor injuries. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Response from Weeks to Months  Individual/Family  Community/State Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Response from Weeks to Months  Individual/Family  Personal Safety  Home Safety Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Response from Weeks to Months  Individual/Family  Personal Safety It should be the responsibility of individuals to see that they receive medical attention for health problems related to the earthquake. This may seem like a simple task for those with health insurance, but for those without health insurance it can be difficult. Since an earthquake is a natural disaster that can impact everyone who lives in a region, the state should, if possible, provide free medical services to those injured. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Response from Weeks to Months  Individual/Family  Home Safety It should also be the responsibility of families to make sure that their homes are safe to live in again. However the state should inform them about this responsibility and what is entailed in determining their home safety. This can be included in public information campaigns both before and after an earthquake occurs. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Response from Weeks to Months  Individual/Family  Community/State  Infrastructure  Issues of People  Transition to Recovery Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Response from Weeks to Months  Community/State  Infrastructure As time since the earthquake progresses, a detailed inspection should be done on buildings that have been affected. This should include all medium to large sized buildings. Inspection of residential houses is best left to the family that lives there. The inspections will determine whether the buildings are fit to be reoccupied. The government should inspect and, if necessary, rebuild all lifeline facilities and other infrastructures. The government should remember to remain vigilant about enforcing seismic construction/building codes and include them when rebuilding damaged infrastructures. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Response from Weeks to Months  Community/State  Issues of People As mentioned earlier, the State should attempt to provide free medical services to anyone injured by an earthquake. This can include care for physical injuries as well as psychological problems associated with family deaths, loss of property or livelihood, etc. Often after an earthquake, displaced persons will decide to leave the region and live with relatives or friends until they can rebuild their lives in their former city. Alternatively, many people are forced to reside in disaster relief housing until they have somewhere to return to. Any assistance the government can provide in the relocation process, either out of the region or back to rebuilt homes will likely be well received. This can come in the form of transportation for both people and personal belongings. Earthquake Hazard

 Response (Time Scale Based)  Response from Weeks to Months  Community/State  Transition to Recovery Regardless of whether a redevelopment plan has been agreed upon, the government should make sure that buildings unable to be reoccupied are demolished. This benefits the general safety of the area residents. These buildings have the potential to collapse on their own under the right conditions, and thus present a new hazard to the nearby community. The government will also need to coordinate the removal of rubble and debris of collapsed structures. Hopefully the government had previously prepared a recovery plan in the event of an earthquake. Now, in light of current earthquake damage, it is advisable to make revisions to this plan so that it can address specific recovery items that now must be undertaken. The sooner that a region can complete its structural and infrastructural recovery, the sooner it will be able to complete its economic and cultural recovery. Earthquake Hazard

 Recovery (Months to Years)  Rebuilding  Resettlement  Assessment of Experience Earthquake Hazard

Selected Web References  USGS  Hazards homepage  USGS Earthquakes  FEMA  Earthquake Hazards  National Capability Building  Caltech Seismological Laboratory  Southern California Earthquake Data Center  American Red Cross  Disaster Services  Earthquakes

Selected Web References  California Seismic Safety Commission  Mitigation Plan  CA Governor’s Office of Emergency Services   Earthquake Advisor  Washington State Earthquake Hazards 

 International House, Osaka Japan   Geoscientific Research Institute  What to do if you experience an earthquake (mitigation perspective)   UN Disaster Mitigation Training Programme  Modules Selected Web References

 U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, and Southern California Earthquake Center. Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country p. 28, 1995  U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. The Next Big Earthquake p. 22, 1990  Pan American Health Organization. Disasters: Preparedness and Mitigation in the Americas. Washington, D.C. Issue 94. p. 8. Jan  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research. HUD-1511-PD&R. Preparing for the “Big One”: Saving lives through earthquake mitigation in Los Angeles, California. Washington, D.C. p. 52, 1995 Selected Print References