When it comes to earthquake resilience, different countries have followed different methods based on their experiences and resources. Let’s see how some nations tackle this imperative challenge.
Japan Earthquake Resilience
Japan truly built resistance into its very core. Their earthquake building codes are very strict; their 1981 revisions to their Building Standard Law, for instance, mandate that new buildings withstand a magnitude 7 earthquake with little more than minor damage. There is advanced engineering wherever you look – picture squat shear walls, intelligent base isolation bearings, and dampers that essentially permit buildings to swing with the shaking instead of trying to resist it.
Beyond new constructions, Japan has been meticulous with retrofitting existing buildings. After devastating events like the 1995 Kobe earthquake, they undertook massive efforts in fortifying old wooden, masonry, and concrete buildings. Thousands of threatened schools and residences have been braced or even rebuilt to new standards.
Their early warning and drill systems are also first-class. Japan’s Meteorological Agency has an early warning network for earthquakes that broadcasts warnings on TV, radio, and cell phones in seconds after detecting those initial P-waves. And their J-Alert satellite system distributes emergency notifications with sirens and media to nearly every town within 4-20 seconds.
Chile Earthquake Resilience
Chile has an extensive history of massive earthquakes. They’ve consistently upgraded their strict building code following every powerful quake, back to 1906 and 1960. Now, even small structures must meet high standards. Engineers construct buildings to remain solid under extremely violent shaking without collapsing on a frequent basis. This robust approach is the reason that recent large quakes, like the M8.2 in 2014 and M8.3 in 2015, registered record-low casualties (under 15) despite extreme ground rattling.
They also possess better tsunami and early warning systems. Chile is actively participating in the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, and its national center (SHOA) integrates seismic and sea-level data to deliver quick warnings. For example, the 2015 M8.3 offshore earthquake triggered prompt tsunami warnings, leading to around one million coastal dwellers’ evacuations and strongly minimizing potential casualties. Local authorities and media are pivotal in transmitting these warnings and evacuation orders through the sound of sirens and the media.
United States Earthquake Resilience
The U.S. relies on building codes and retrofitting. The states adopt model building codes like the International Building Code, FEMA, stressing that “current building codes” are the key to saving lives. High-risk states, particularly California, have seismic detailing in their codes. But many older, unreinforced buildings remain vulnerable; FEMA highlights those pre-code structures as “the single biggest contributor to seismic risk” in California. As a result, local programs and grants (take the example of Caltrans retrofitting bridges or city codes on masonry buildings) encourage hardening schools, hospitals, and older homes.
Under the category of early warning, the USGS has ShakeAlert, an operational system on the West Coast. ShakeAlert detects quakes and sends alerts several seconds before strong shaking, now covering over 50 million people living in California, Oregon, and Washington. Private apps and public agencies use these valuable seconds to automatically brake trains, shut off gas valves, and alert residents to take cover, ultimately reducing damage and injury.
New Zealand Earthquake Resilience
New Zealand has strict codes with a life-safety focus. Their Building Code requires ensuring buildings won’t collapse or trap people during big quakes, even if they’re damaged. Since the 2010–2011 Canterbury quakes, New Zealand reaffirmed its standards, and engineers are now updating “low-damage” design guidelines to create buildings that can still be occupied after moderate quakes.
They’ve also pioneered advanced engineering methods. New Zealand, for instance, invented lead-rubber base isolators, now fitted to key buildings worldwide. Wellington’s national museum, Te Papa, famously rests on 152 of the base-isolation bearings, allowing it to “roll with the punches” during earthquakes. Many modern schools and civic buildings have comparable seismic isolation or damping systems.
Nepal Earthquake Resilience
Nepal’s history of compliance with building codes has been harder. Though they have had a National Building Code (NBC) since the 1990s, it has not been implemented. The devastating April 2015 Gorkha quake painfully revealed many “owner-built” buildings to not be built to code. Damage analysis in 2015 revealed a significant problem: inadequate training of builders and low compliance with standards caused widespread collapse of unreinforced masonry houses. In response, Nepal has revised its building code and construction regulations. These revisions now mandate the use of tie-beams and rebar for all reconstructed buildings.
Seismic retrofitting and reconstruction works have gained pace since 2015. Seismic retrofitting previously was restricted to high-profile public buildings and some NGOs providing mason training. The government’s post-earthquake reconstruction effort and aid agencies promoted safer construction practices during the 2016-2020 rebuild. However, retrofitting existing private residential homes is daunting, with most local governments still lacking special programs or public education.
Community-level education is on the rise. Organizations like the National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET) conduct regular awareness programs and technical training programs for engineers and masons. Nepal also observes a National Earthquake Safety Day every year on January 15th. These are attempts at teaching “Drop, Cover, Hold” and conducting earthquake drills, but outreach continues to grow. Countrywide, reliable early-warning systems have not been implemented yet, though proposals have been made.
True resilience involves scientific advancement, resilient building codes (especially for public structures), and collective preparedness, enabling societies to weather earthquakes and thrive once again.
Therefore, MENA Earth Science Congress (MESC) is a forum to foster essential discussions on advanced seismic research. Ranging from the interpretation of anthropogenic tremors to the development of sophisticated early warning systems, and highlight the essential role of geophysical information toward regional security.