Expert Warns Israel Faces Major Disaster Amid Earthquake Preparedness Gaps
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
A magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Eilat has prompted a seismologist to warn of the potential for a major seismic event in Israel, citing an average of one significant earthquake every 100 years. Despite a functioning early warning system, a state comptroller's report reveals that only 3.6% of buildings needing reinforcement have been strengthened, with critical infrastructure like hospitals and schools also lacking adequate protection. Insurance coverage for natural disasters is also significantly low compared to other developed nations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Eilat has raised concerns about Israel's preparedness for a major seismic event.
- Seismologist Nadav Wetzler warned of potential major earthquakes, citing an average of one every 100 years.
- Only 3.6% of buildings nationwide requiring seismic reinforcement have been strengthened, according to a state comptroller's report.
- 60% of Israeli hospitals and about 70% of designated schools are not reinforced against earthquakes.
- Israel's insurance coverage for natural disaster damages is only 44%, significantly lower than other developed countries.
A magnitude 4.5 earthquake felt near Eilat on Wednesday, which prompted the evacuation of passengers at Ramon Airport, has reignited concerns about a major seismic event in Israel. Seismologist Nadav Wetzler of the Geological Institute analyzed the recent tremor, explaining that the Home Front Command's early warning system activated as planned for quakes of magnitude 4.5 or higher. The earthquake's epicenter was located along the Syrian-African Rift, an active fault line running north through Israel to Turkey.
Wetzler cautioned that Israel must prepare for a significantly stronger earthquake, noting that a major seismic event occurred in 1927, with an average of one significant earthquake every 100 years. He stressed the constant geological activity and the need for preparedness for any scenario.
Despite the functioning early warning system, a state comptroller's report from January 2024 reveals alarming deficiencies in physical building reinforcement against earthquakes. The report found that only 3.6% of buildings nationwide requiring reinforcement have been strengthened, and progress since a 2018 report has been minimal. This lack of preparedness is particularly acute in peripheral towns, where urban renewal is less economically viable for developers.
In cities like Beit She'an, Tiberias, Safed, Kiryat Shmona, and the local council of Hatzor HaGlilit, 1,124 buildings, or 93% of those needing reinforcement, remain unstrengthened. Critical infrastructure is also at risk, with 60% of Israeli hospitals not reinforced against earthquakes. Approximately 70% of schools designated for reinforcement have not been strengthened, leaving 38 out of 54 institutions without adequate protection.
Furthermore, the comptroller highlighted insufficient insurance coverage for natural disaster damages. Israel's insurance coverage rate stands at only 44%, significantly lower than countries like New Zealand (77%), the UK (75%), and Belgium (73%).
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