Urgent Call for Earthquake Preparedness in Portugal and Spain

Experts are alarmed that Portugal and Spain may face a repeat of the 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake, urging immediate action to reinforce buildings, especially schools and nurseries, to withstand future seismic threats. Approximately 600,000 residents live in structures unprepared for major earthquakes, raising significant safety concerns for vulnerable populations.

Authorities on the Iberian Peninsula are being urged to enhance earthquake preparedness in light of warnings from experts about a potential repeat of the catastrophic Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. This seismic event, which registered as high as nine on the Richter scale, resulted in around 60,000 fatalities across Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, in addition to spawning a devastating tsunami. Seismologists, including Dr. Mario Lopes, advocate for urgent reinforcements to buildings, particularly educational institutions and facilities for young children, to mitigate future risks. As many as 600,000 residents in Greater Lisbon inhabit structures inadequately equipped to endure such disasters, raising alarms about the safety of schools and public hospitals in the region. The unique geological conditions beneath the Straits of Gibraltar further amplify concerns regarding potential seismic activity. Recent recommendations emphasize the necessity of a national program aimed at strengthening the resilience of essential infrastructure against seismic threats.

The Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 stands as one of the deadliest earthquakes in European history, marking a pivotal moment in the awareness of seismic risks in the region. It caused widespread devastation, with reports indicating significant casualties and a massive tsunami that affected several coastal areas. In modern times, experts are calling for increased attention to seismic preparedness, especially regarding public infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, which may not meet current safety standards. Seismic zones in the vicinity, particularly beneath the Gulf of Cadiz and Gibraltar, underscore the ongoing risk of severe earthquakes in the area.

In conclusion, the need for enhanced earthquake preparedness in Portugal and Spain is pressing, as experts warn of the possibility of a repeat of the 1755 disaster. Urgent action is required to retrofit vulnerable buildings, especially schools and nurseries, to ensure public safety. The historical context of past earthquakes combined with current structural challenges necessitates immediate governmental intervention to protect the population from future seismic events.

Original Source: www.theolivepress.es