Updating old buildings, public infrastructure key to earthquake preparedness: ICLR report

Updating and retrofitting old buildings – including schools, hospitals and other public buildings – and investing in the upgrade of aging public infrastructure are among several priorities listed in preparation for an earthquake in Canada, according to a new study by the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR).
Lloyd’s sponsored the ICLR report, entitled Reducing the risk of earthquake damage in Canada: Lessons from Haiti and Chile.
The report warns there is at least a 30% chance that an earthquake strong enough to cause significant damage will strike southwestern B.C. in the next 50 years. There is a 5% to 15% chance of a similarly strong earthquake striking in Ontario or Quebec, particularly in the regions of Ottawa, Montreal or Quebec City.
The report calls for attention to preparation for such events, listing three priorities for seismic risk reduction in Canada:

• retrofitting older buildings, including public buildings, to withstand shake damage;
• preventing fire following earthquakes, by reducing ignition points and ensuring that fire halls are earthquake-proof; and
• investing more money in the repair and upkeep of public infrastructure.

On the first point, the report notes that between 20% and 60% of expected damage from an urban earthquake will likely involve shake damage and collapsing buildings.
“Building codes can reduce the risk of damage to new buildings, but it is possible to significantly mitigate expected losses to older buildings by retrofitting existing homes or structures,” the report says. “In particular, retrofits or replacement can be used to lower the risk of injury or damage in schools, hospitals and other buildings where large numbers of people may be exposed.”
Also, the report says, Canada’s public infrastructure is vulnerable. The report cites an estimate that it would cost between $350 billion and  $400 billion simply to repair Canada’s aging infrastructure – and that’s not even considering the potential damage an earthquake might cause.
“Businesses may be unable to function after a major urban earthquake due to disruption from loss of electricity, gas, water and transportation systems,” the report says. “Investments to enhance the resilience of essential public infrastructure will reduce the expected losses.”