SEISMIC RISK IN THE DISTRICT/MUNICIPALITY OF DURRËS

Abstract

After the seismic events of 2019, one of the first difficulties encountered was finding and focusing attention on the most damaged areas. It is understood that the aid of the affected population was forthcoming, but the impact of the panic and the overall chaotic circumstances left little opportunity to focus proper attention on the areas with greater damage. A document with analysis, findings and conclusions that showed in advance the areas with the highest risk and their treatment in the territory was missing. By trying to evaluate every clarifying and helpful element in damage assessment even in disaster situations, the consequences that occurred, their analysis and interpretation take on significant importance in risk assessment. This paper is focused at two main topics: 1-) Through the assessment of the seismic risk and all its affecting factors (hazard, exposure and vulnerability) to compare the results of the assessment with the results obtained based on the preliminary assessments carried out after the earthquake of 26 November and presented in the PDNA document; 2-) To establish a procedure which can be used for risk assessment on a similar scale for other municipalities/districts of the country. This paper will not only highlight the strong and weak points for the territory of Durrës, but will give useful instructions in using the proposed methodology in other territories, without waiting for the next seismic event with possible damaging consequences.