Pre- and Post-Earthquake: Safe Structures, Prepared Communities
Earthquakes pose a multidimensional challenge—not only from a geological standpoint but also in terms of engineering, urban planning, and societal preparedness. This presentation aims to address the critical processes before and after an earthquake through a holistic approach.In the first part of the talk, engineering-based topics will be explored, including earthquake-resistant structural design, soil-structure interaction, assessment of existing building stock, and retrofitting methods. Key issues such as the identification of vulnerable structures, performance-based analyses, and the practical implementation of modern building codes will also be discussed. The second part will focus on pre-disaster preparedness at both individual and institutional levels, public awareness initiatives, early warning systems, and the role of local governments. The final section will examine post-disaster processes such as damage assessment, reconstruction efforts, and psychosocial support mechanisms.