Structural Deficiencies, Governance Challenges, and Strategies for Sustainable Seismic Resilience in Hazard-Prone Regions

Afghanistan is located within one of the world’s most seismically active regions, where recurrent earthquakes pose a persistent threat to human life and the built environment. The 7 October 2023 Herat earthquake exposed critical vulnerabilities in both the construction sector and institutional frameworks, manifested through the widespread presence of non-engineered buildings, poor construction quality, and the absence of mandatory and enforceable seismic design regulations. This study examines the structural, construction-related, and governance deficiencies that significantly contributed to extensive building damage and high casualty rates, while also assessing shortcomings in public preparedness and disaster risk governance. A comparative case-study approach is adopted to evaluate seismic resilience and disaster management practices in India, Pakistan and Iran. The findings indicate that the elevated vulnerability observed in Herat primarily resulted from deficient construction practices, the lack of codified seismic standards, weak regulatory enforcement, and limited technical capacity within the construction industry. In contrast, regions characterized by well-established seismic codes, engineered structural systems, and coordinated institutional mechanisms experienced substantially reduced levels of structural damage and human losses, although earthquake impacts are also influenced by factors such as hazard characteristics, site conditions, exposure levels, and population distribution. The study highlights that seismic safety and sustainable development are inherently interdependent objectives. Improving earthquake resilience in Afghanistan requires the integration of earthquake-resistant engineering with sustainable construction practices, enhancement of technical and professional capacity, rigorous enforcement of region-specific seismic regulations, and strengthened community-based awareness programs. The adoption of internationally recognized best practices and risk-informed planning strategies is essential for fostering safer, more resilient, and environmentally sustainable urban development capable of withstanding future seismic events.