The Mw5.4 earthquake that struck Zagreb on March 22, 2020, serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities many cities face when it comes to seismic activity. Despite its moderate magnitude, the earthquake caused significant damage to the historic downtown area of Zagreb, highlighting the need for improved emergency response strategies and building safety measures.
The Impact of the Earthquake
The earthquake's epicenter was located within the city limits, at a depth of 10 km. It generated a peak ground acceleration of more than 0.2 g and a maximum spectral acceleration of about 0.6 g at 0.1 seconds. The event was particularly challenging as it occurred during a partial Covid-19 lockdown with temperatures close to 0°C.
The damage was extensive in older masonry residential and cultural heritage buildings in historic downtown areas like Lower Town and Upper Town. The economic cost for reconstruction is estimated at over 10 billion euros. This situation underscores the complex vulnerabilities faced by local communities and individuals during such crises.
Key Takeaways for Practitioners
The Zagreb earthquake offers several lessons that can be applied to improve emergency response and building safety:
- Understanding Seismic Vulnerability: The earthquake emphasized the need for increased awareness of seismic vulnerabilities in European cities with similar construction practices.
- Emergency Response Coordination: The rapid organization of emergency response teams was crucial in managing the aftermath. Practitioners should focus on enhancing coordination among various stakeholders for efficient crisis management.
- Building Inspections: Post-earthquake inspections revealed significant damage to older masonry buildings. Regular inspections and maintenance can mitigate such risks in future events.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: Many cultural heritage sites were damaged, highlighting the importance of integrating preservation efforts into disaster risk management plans.
The Path Forward
The ongoing recovery process in Zagreb provides an opportunity for practitioners to refine their skills by studying the impacts and responses to this earthquake. By implementing lessons learned from this event, cities can enhance their resilience against future seismic activities.
The Mw5.4 Zagreb (Croatia) earthquake of March 22, 2020: impacts and response
