Engineer Warns Israel Faces Greater Challenge From Earthquake Than Iran Conflict

Thousands remain missing after a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Venezuela last Thursday, causing entire buildings to collapse. This disaster raises concerns about Israel's preparedness for a similar event, especially given many older buildings that predate the 1980 seismic code remain vulnerable.

Noam Raviv, an engineer and deputy CEO of G City Israel, explained that while newer buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes, damage severity depends on the quake's strength. Older structures, including public buildings like schools, often lack necessary reinforcements. Raviv emphasized that Israel must intensify its readiness efforts, noting that hundreds of thousands of buildings do not meet current safety standards.

Raviv highlighted that an earthquake would be a far more complex and widespread disaster than missile attacks experienced during recent conflicts with Iran. Unlike missile strikes, earthquakes offer no early warning and can damage critical infrastructure such as bridges, roads, sewage, water, and communication systems, complicating emergency response.

For individuals during an earthquake, Raviv advised evacuating buildings if possible or seeking shelter in reinforced areas like safe rooms or stairwells. He also pointed out that countries like Japan prepare extensively for earthquakes with emergency kits and protocols.

Post-earthquake, engineers will face the enormous task of inspecting thousands of damaged buildings before residents can safely return. Raviv called for accelerated urban renewal projects, particularly in Israel's periphery and along the seismically active Syrian-African fault line, suggesting government incentives to make such developments economically viable despite the complexities involved.

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