Development of earthquake loss scenarios for two Mediterranean cities

The paper presents the methodology and software for developing seismic scenarios in two Mediterranean cities, Grevena (Greece) and Düzce (Turkey) that were heavily hit by strong earthquakes during the last decade. After compiling the building inventory in each city, fragility curves were derived using the hybrid approach developed the authors, and a series of seismic scenarios were developed based on city-specific microzonation studies. Both the methodology and the results obtained in terms of loss estimates, required restoration times and the associated costs are presented in a GIS environment. The results obtained, but, more so, the methodology and tools developed, contribute towards the enhancement of seismic safety in the Mediterranean area, while they are also useful for other earthquake-prone areas.