Study Highlights Seismic Vulnerability in Pakistan's Dir City, Calls for Immediate Action
A recent study reveals the seismic vulnerability of buildings in Dir City, Pakistan, urging for stricter regulations, retrofitting, and community engagement to enhance earthquake resilience.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dynamic Disasters has shed light on the seismic vulnerability of buildings in Dir City, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, employing a modified rapid visual screening (RVS) approach. The research, detailed in a study (DOI:10.1016/j.jdd.2025.100018), assessed a hundred randomly selected buildings, uncovering significant risks due to the predominance of non-engineered and aged structures in the area.
Dir City, classified under Seismic Zone III according to the Building Code of Pakistan, hosts a variety of building types, including unreinforced masonry, confined masonry, stone masonry, and reinforced concrete frames with unreinforced masonry infill. The study's lead author, Khan Shahzada, emphasized the diversity in structural configurations and the urgent need for seismic resilience measures. The findings advocate for a series of recommendations aimed at mitigating seismic risks, including the enforcement of stricter building regulations, retrofitting of vulnerable structures, and community education on preparedness.
The study's recommendations are comprehensive, targeting both immediate and long-term strategies to bolster the city's earthquake resilience. Key suggestions include ensuring new constructions adhere to engineering standards, prioritizing the retrofitting of older buildings, and implementing regular inspections for compliance with seismic safety standards. Additionally, the study calls for community engagement initiatives, such as education programs and financial incentives for retrofitting, to foster a culture of preparedness among residents.
Further research is encouraged to explore advanced retrofitting methods and the performance of materials under seismic stress, alongside the integration of modern technologies like seismic isolation systems. The involvement of local stakeholders in applying research findings is also highlighted as a critical step towards improving the seismic safety of Dir City's infrastructure. This study not only underscores the pressing need for action in Dir City but also serves as a model for assessing and addressing seismic vulnerabilities in similar high-risk areas worldwide.