Europe now has a comprehensive and interactive seismic risk map, which provides enhanced knowledge to prevent and protect against future earthquakes. The new map, available through the EFEHR platform, incorporates scientific data from seismologists and engineers, offering more accurate estimates of communities' resilience to seismic phenomena.
The platform uses a combination of geological, technical, and demographic information, enabling the mapping of the areas with the highest seismic risk on the European continent. Seismic risk assessment – or seismic risk – refers to the projected impact of future earthquakes on infrastructure and the safety of citizens. To calculate it, data on building and population density, structural vulnerability, as well as local geological conditions are required.
See HERE the interactive map for seismic risk. https://maps.eu-risk.eucentre.it/map/european-seismic-risk-index-viewer/#6/37.082/30.019
With the introduction of the European Seismic Risk Model ESRM20 in 2020, Europe gained the first open and harmonized basis for calculating seismic risk. The model points out that older buildings, densely populated areas, and areas of high seismicity drive the hazard map. Despite the existence of modern regulations, thousands of old or poorly reinforced buildings remain at high risk.
On the map, the areas of Cyprus that are characterized as high risk are shown in red.
The categorization of areas – The most dangerous
The EFEHR consortium and the EM-DAT database record that during the 20th century, earthquakes caused over 200,000 deaths in Europe, with the largest losses in Italy and Turkey. The hazard map categorizes areas into low, moderate, and high-risk zones, aiding in seismic planning and preventive measures.
By using the platform, competent authorities can compare seismic risk between countries, improve prevention measures, and reduce potential economic and human losses.
The most dangerous areas in Europe include Turkey, Greece, Albania, Italy, and Romania, with cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, Athens, Catania, and Bucharest facing particularly high seismic threats.
