NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Earthquake Risks and Mitigation in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut Region. New York City Area Consortium for Earthquake Loss Mitigation, 1999-2003.
- File
- PB2006108347.pdf
- Author(s)
- Tantala, M.; Nordenson, G.; Deodatis, G.; Jacob, K.; Swiren, B.
- Source
- January 2003, 56 p.
- Abstract
- When this study began in 1999, the date 9/11 was just another day on the calendar. It isn't any more. The destruction caused on that infamous day in 2001 has affected the nation profoundly. It has even affected the way studies such as ours perceive, assess, and mitigate risk. The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center gave us a new benchmark for comparison: Would an earthquake in the New York City metro area incur comparable injuries, casualties, and financial losses. The answer to this question is disconcerting. Even a moderate event (Magnitude 6) could result in an estimated 1100-1200 deaths, as well as igniting up to 900 fires simultaneously in the NY-NJ-CT region. Considering the large population (18.5 million) and the regions building inventory (predominately unreinforced masonry), it is clear that even a moderate earthquake would have critical consequences on public safety and the economy of this area.
- Keywords
- ; Loss mitigation; Seismic design; Statistical analysis; New Jersey; Mathematical models; New York; Risk; Connecticut; Earthquakes; Financial loss