Experts raise alarms about the potential for a catastrophic earthquake similar to the 1755 disaster affecting Portugal and Spain. With inadequate building preparations, particularly among facilities housing children and hospitals, there are urgent calls for governmental reinforcement programs. The Great Lisbon Earthquake remains a stark warning of the devastation that can ensue from seismic activity if precautions are not implemented.
Authorities on the Iberian Peninsula are being urged to enhance preparedness for potentially devastating earthquakes, as experts forewarn of the possibility of a catastrophic repeat of the infamous 1755 event. Known as the Great Lisbon Earthquake, this seismic disaster registered up to nine on the Richter scale and claimed the lives of approximately 60,000 individuals across Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, also causing a significant tsunami that impacted coastal areas. Seismologists emphasize the importance of reinforcing buildings, particularly those housing vulnerable populations such as children. Mario Lopes, a professor of Seismic Engineering, stresses the need for urgent planning and reinforcement of essential facilities in Portugal. Alarmingly, around 600,000 residents in Greater Lisbon live in structures that are ill-equipped to endure significant seismic shocks. Particularly concerning is the condition of many nurseries and kindergartens situated within older residential buildings, which are likely to suffer catastrophic damage during a major earthquake. Lopes highlights, “There is an urgent need for a national programme to reinforce nurseries and schools.” Additionally, public hospitals, including Lisbon’s central facilities, are also highlighted as being particularly susceptible to the effects of a severe earthquake, raising serious concerns for public safety. The 1755 earthquake, thought to have been caused by a unique subduction zone beneath the Straits of Gibraltar, serves as a dire reminder of the catastrophic possibilities that lie ahead if proactive measures are not taken. Experts are advocating for immediate governmental action to ensure that Portugal is better prepared to mitigate the impact of future seismic events.
The Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in European history, prompting ongoing concerns about earthquake preparedness in Portugal and Spain. With decades passing since the tragic event, infrastructural vulnerabilities have persisted, necessitating renewed focus by authorities. Studies indicate that a significant portion of the population inhabits buildings that cannot withstand violent seismic activity, especially in critical sectors like education and healthcare. Experts advocate for immediate reinforcement of such facilities to limit the potential loss of life and property in future seismic events.
In light of the alarming predictions made by seismologists regarding the risk of a catastrophic earthquake similar to the 1755 Lisbon disaster, it is imperative for authorities to take preemptive steps to enhance building safety and preparedness throughout impacted regions. Reinforcing critical infrastructure, particularly schools and hospitals, is both a necessity and a moral obligation to safeguard the lives of vulnerable populations. Without immediate action, the consequences of another significant seismic event could be dire.
Original Source: www.theolivepress.es
