The Ombudsman finds that more than 90% of buildings at risk would collapse if a major earthquake struck

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About a month after a major earthquake devastated swathes of Turkey and Syria and left tens of thousands dead, State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman said in a new report published Tuesday that an estimated 93% of the buildings at risk in northeastern Israel would collapse in the event. Strong tremor, which highlights the urgent need to increase safety measures in the area.

This latest report repeats previous warnings that paint a grim picture of years-long neglect and persistent lack of earthquake preparedness on the part of local and state authorities, especially in cities along the Great Valley Rift – an area particularly vulnerable to shocks.

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A building collapsed in the Turkish city of Antakya after a strong earthquake last month

(photo: AP)

The results indicate that 93% of the buildings designated for reinforcements in Beit She’an, Tiberias, Safed, Kiryat Shmona, and Hazor Hagalilit, which are communities expected to be severely affected during the earthquake, have not yet been remedied.

However, it wasn’t just the apartment buildings that were covered up by the authorities. According to the results, 38 out of 54, or 70%, of schools previously found not to meet standards have yet to be strengthened.

In Beit She’an, only one out of ten schools found to be at risk of collapse has been reinforced, while in Safed, only two out of 12 schools have been reinforced.

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Zelzal exercise of the Home Front Command in northern Israel

(Photo: Effie Schrier)

According to the report, it would take decades to protect all buildings currently at risk from earthquakes if the current pace is maintained. The costs of strengthening vulnerable buildings and other preventive measures were estimated at 2.34 billion shekels ($650 million).

Israel is located in a region of high seismic activity, which makes it prone to earthquakes. According to the report, it is impossible to accurately predict when and where the next earthquake will occur, as well as its magnitude. However, the report indicates that the next earthquake to hit Israel will most likely be very intense.

Early preparation by local and state authorities can greatly reduce the extent of injuries and property damage.

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