Enhancing earthquake disaster risk assessment: insights from pandemic circumstances, case studies, and lessons learned

The paper presents the outcomes of a unified model, which draws on Khazai et al. (2015), to collect and interpret data related to prevention, preparedness, and response to multi-hazard disasters, with a specific focus on earthquakes and pandemics. The model calculates three urban risk indicators for two case studies: the aftermath of the 2020 earthquake in Zagreb and the 2019 earthquake in Tirana. Its objective is to identify weaknesses in urban resilience and provide guidance for decision-making in disaster risk management. This research is a part of the "Learn to Be Resilient (L2BR)" project, funded by the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (101017950 - L2BR - UCPM-2020- KN-AG) with primary aim to strengthen the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network as a platform for sharing expertise and knowledge in civil protection and disaster risk management. It specifically targeted Southeast Europe, an earthquake-prone region, and prioritized capacity building, intersectoral cooperation, and the enhancement of prevention and preparedness measures. Recent devastating earthquakes worldwide have underscored the importance of effective disaster management, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case studies on earthquakes in Tirana, Albania, and Zagreb, Croatia, provided valuable data for the research, leading to recommendations for improving operational procedures, particularly in the context of pandemics. The ultimate goal was to elevate disaster and emergency management, saving lives, increasing resilience, and fostering disaster prevention in the region.