IDF Prepares Hospitals and Cities for Devastating Earthquake Scenario

The Israeli military is undertaking extensive preparations for a potential catastrophic earthquake, with scenarios predicting hundreds of fatalities, thousands of injuries, and widespread building collapses. The Home Front Command has identified ten cities at heightened risk of destruction and has initiated training for hospitals to handle mass casualties. The IDF's Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, has incorporated earthquake preparedness into the army's 2027 work plan, emphasizing the need for readiness against a sudden disaster with minimal warning time. Special attention is being given to areas near the seismically active Syrian-African Rift, the site of a devastating 1927 earthquake that killed approximately 300 people.

The ten cities identified as having the highest risk are Kiryat Shmona, Hazor HaGlilit, Rosh Pinna, Tiberias, Safed, Afula, Migdal HaEmek, Beit She'an, Arad, and Eilat. This elevated risk is attributed to their proximity to the geological fault and the condition of older buildings in these locations. The Home Front Command's scenarios include the collapse of numerous structures and the potential disruption of essential services like hospitals and transportation in the immediate aftermath.

Colonel Paz Gadi, Commander of the Home Front Command's Northern District, warned of severe consequences, estimating thousands needing aid and hundreds of deaths in the northern region alone. He stressed that these figures are for planning purposes, not precise predictions. The primary goal is to ensure preparedness for mass destruction and to organize rescue operations under resource constraints.

Recent drills, such as one at Nahariya Hospital on October 14, have focused on earthquake response, emphasizing patient evacuation to open areas rather than sheltering in protected rooms as done during rocket attacks. These exercises involve setting up temporary medical tents and practicing the relocation of equipment and patient care outside main hospital buildings. Similar drills are planned nationwide, with tailored plans for each facility.

The military is also increasing public awareness campaigns on earthquake safety procedures, particularly for actions within residential buildings and public spaces. They highlight the limited time available during an earthquake and the danger of aftershocks. Unlike military threats, earthquakes cannot be predicted, making proactive preparation crucial. The IDF is conducting these preparations concurrently with ongoing security measures against other threats, including potential attacks from Iran.