The earthquake resistance of the buildings in the country should be investigated

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Engineering faculty member Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Karimi talked on the occasion of the March 1-7 Earthquake Week saying the Island of Cyprus is located in an active seismic region and that the whole island could suffer from the effects of an earthquake.

The most active part  of Cyprus in terms of earthquakes is the coastline stretching from Paphos to Limassol and from Larnaca to Famagusta. Karimi also said the earthquakes that took place in various parts of the Island of Cyprus over the years not only caused fatalities and property but also a series of damages.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Karimi stated that there are many different types of earthquakes; however, majority of the earthquakes that hit our country are known as “tectonic earthquakes” which are caused by sudden vibrations that occur due to the fractures in the earth’s crust, spreading like waves and shaking the areas they pass through as well as the earth crust.

The majority of earthquakes usually occur in a series, and are connected to each other in terms of location and timing. Assist. Prof. Dr. Karimi noted that most of the small vibrations  do almost no damage to the earthquake cluster but it should not be put into oblivion that it is very likely and predictable these earthquakes can be repetitive.

Karimi pointed out that  earthquakes are counted among the disasters where a lot of people lose their lives, and for that matter, it is significant to take the necessary measures.

Karimi also noted that throughout their lives, people have been very negligent; and to start eliminating all these different forms of negligence, people should start investigating the earthquake resistance of the buildings they live in.

Those in the construction sector, building  the structures and those in the institutions and organizations that  carry out inspections  have very important duties and responsibilities. Site selection, ground survey, project and construction phases of the building should be observed meticulously; the relevant laws, regulations and other rules should be followed on a daily basis  and should be adhered to closely.

Karimi concluded by saying the existence of institutions that renew themselves on this matter,  in terms of knowledge, skills and technical equipment is highly important. One of the first measures which is of vital significance and that needs to be taken would be to investigate whether the building citizens live in is earthquake resistant. If the tests yield results indicating the building is not resistant to earthquakes, immediate action needs to be taken either to strengthen the building or to tear it down to build a new one.