Earthquake in Western Iran: Renovation Kills.

Abstract

Introduction: Earthquake is the most important cause of death from natural disasters in Iran. This paper brings attention to the main causes of loss of life due to the Kermanshah province earthquake (Nov 12 2017), and provides a wakeup call about the unsafe nature of buildings there.

Methods: This study is based on official reports review and a field assessment in the areas affected by the earthquake in western Iran.

Results: Although buildings in this area are mainly old structures, strangely, more than 70% of the destroyed buildings in this earthquake were under 5 years of age, newly built or renovated buildings according to mandated building codes.

Discussion: Mandated building codes and construction rules and regulations are not respected even for the newly constructed or reconstructed structures buildings.