Urgent Earthquake Preparedness Needed in Portugal and Spain to Avert Disaster
Experts warn of an impending risk of a major earthquake in Portugal and Spain, reminiscent of the 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake, highlighting vulnerabilities in infrastructure. Approximately 600,000 people reside in buildings unprepared for seismic events, with urgent reinforcement needed for schools, nurseries, and hospitals to mitigate potential casualties and damage.
Recent warnings have emerged regarding the seismic vulnerability of Portugal and Spain, particularly highlighting the risk of a catastrophic earthquake akin to the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. Experts assert that insufficient preparation and inadequate infrastructure may lead to extensive damage and loss of life should a similar disaster strike. They specifically point to the need for urgent reinforcement of buildings, particularly those housing vulnerable populations such as nurseries and schools. Seismologists, including Professor Mario Lopes from the Instituto Superior Tecnico and the Imperial College London, have called for immediate action from the Portuguese government. A significant number of buildings in Greater Lisbon, approximately 600,000, are deemed unprepared for such seismic events. The warnings extend to hospitals, with central facilities like Santa Maria and São Jose identified as particularly at risk. The seismic risk is compounded by the unique geological features beneath the Iberian Peninsula, including a subduction zone under the Straits of Gibraltar. This zone poses the potential for substantial earthquakes, reinforcing the urgency for disaster preparedness. Experts emphasize that planning for necessary structural reinforcements, especially in educational and healthcare facilities, should be prioritized to mitigate the repercussions of future seismic events.
In 1755, one of Europe’s deadliest earthquakes struck the Iberian Peninsula, leading to catastrophic consequences for Lisbon and surrounding regions. A seismic event estimated between 8.5 and 9 on the Richter scale claimed up to 60,000 lives and generated a tsunami that devastated coastal areas. The historical context serves as a critical reminder of the region’s earthquake susceptibility due to underlying tectonic configurations, particularly a subduction zone that remains active today. Current assessments indicate that the legacy of inadequate building protocols continues to jeopardize population safety in the event of another major quake, necessitating immediate government intervention and public awareness.
The alarming assessment provided by seismologists underscores the urgent need for Portugal and Spain to bolster their infrastructure against potential seismic disasters. With a significant population at risk due to unreinforced buildings, particularly schools and hospitals, it is vital for authorities to take proactive measures. Historical precedents underline the necessity of preparedness to prevent a repeat of the devastation witnessed during the Great Lisbon Earthquake. Consequently, a comprehensive national reinforcement program is essential for safeguarding vulnerable populations and minimizing future disaster impacts.
Original Source: www.theolivepress.es
