Towards integrated seismic risk assessment in Palestine - Application to the city of Nablus

Abstract

Using large-scale seismic risk assessment studies for reduction of potential losses is becoming an evermore popular trend around the globe. Accordingly, a number of different models and techniques for the characterization of the different risk variables have proliferated in the recent years. Furthermore, the quality, or accuracy, of risk estimates will be certainly higher when a truly integrative model is employed, characterizing hazard, (physical and social) vulnerability and exposure in the most complete as possible manner. Regions with a large percentage of non-seismically designed buildings are particularly vulnerable to seismic events and are those that can benefit the most from risk assessment studies for decision making. As such, the main purpose of this study is to propose a framework for integrated seismic risk assessment in Palestine, where earthquake induced risk awareness is still at an early stage. A methodology to combine an existing state-of-the-art hazard model with new vulnerability and exposure models, specifically built upon local field surveys and national data collection, is proposed. The outcome of the study will enable the identification of the regions that are more vulnerable to earthquakes and future rapid loss assessment at regional scale.