Seismic summit discusses quake emergency plans
A network of sensors is being installed on buildings around Orihuela
AN APPLICATION developed to plan for and manage emergencies and seismic risk, before, during and after an earthquake was demonstrated in Orihuela this week.
Part of an international conference about seismic risk held at La Lonja auditorium, this demonstration of the EU TURNkey project was adapted for Protección Civil technicians from Alicante province.
It showed how this tool has been tested in European cities and what was learned, followed by a simulation of the Torrevieja earthquake of 1829, and an analysis of the impact of that event on the province.
“The results can serve to activate different phases of seismic risk action plans, not only
in residential buildings but also essential buildings like Vega Baja hospital,” explained the event organiser, Alicante university professor of applied physics Sergio Molina.
The conference was attended by over 200 technicians, including Protección Civil, architects, police, fire fighters, etc, and international experts from countries such as France,
Italy, Greece, the UK, Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland and Japan.
The objective was to share experiences and learn lessons that could improve responses against future seismic emergencies, including damage evaluation, re-establishing essential services, reconstruction and post-emergency management. Alicante university also presented results from projects to increase the resilience of municipalities in the region and provide information to municipal technicians and emergency planning personnel.
The university has drawn up Orihuela’s seismic risk action plan, which is currently in its public consultation phase on the municipal website, noted former emergencies councillor Víctor Valverde.
A network of sensors is being installed on buildings around Orihuela to map movement of the earth and damage in case of an earthquake.