Citation

Hosseini KA, Hosseinioon S, Pooyan Z. Disasters 2013; 37(3): 516-535.

Affiliation

Associate Professor and Director of Risk Management Research Centre, International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology, Iran Associate Researcher, International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology, Iran Assistant Professor, International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology, Iran.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/disa.12001

PMID

23551260

Abstract

An evaluation of the socioeconomic consequences of earthquakes is an essential part of the development of risk reduction and disaster management plans. However, these variables are not normally addressed sufficiently after strong earthquakes; researchers and relevant stakeholders focus primarily on the physical damage and casualties. The importance of the socioeconomic consequences of seismic events became clearer in Iran after the Bam earthquake on 26 December 2003, as demonstrated by the formulation and approval of various laws and ordinances. This paper reviews the country's regulatory framework in the light of the socioeconomic aspects of two major and destructive earthquakes: in Manjil-Rudbar in 1990, and in Bam in 2003. The results take the form of recommendations and practical strategies for incorporating the socioeconomic dimensions of earthquakes in disaster risk management planning. The results presented here can be applied in other countries with similar conditions to those of Iran in order to improve public preparedness and risk reduction.

Language: en