Assessment of Casualty and Economic Losses from Earthquakes Using Semi-empirical Model☆

Abstract A complete seismic risk assessment generally takes into consideration the interaction of three components – hazard, exposure and vulnerability – and after these three components are well defined for the purpose of interest, the risk can be assessed by the intersection of these three components, and in turn risk can controlled by countermeasures to each aspect of risk. The goal of this study is to develop and implement a semi-empirical model for casualty estimation that will enable to forecast the extent, types and severity of casualties that may happen in Israel and its surroundings in the case of several scenarios of given earthquakes. The expected deliverables will enable the research team to assess the risk, and develop strategies for retrofitting the vulnerable structures, and improve preparedness of the population in the case of destructive earthquakes.