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An investigation into the socioeconomic aspects of two major earthquakes in Iran
Author(s) -
Amini Hosseini Kambod,
Hosseinioon Solmaz,
Pooyan Zhila
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
disasters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1467-7717
pISSN - 0361-3666
DOI - 10.1111/disa.12001
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , preparedness , socioeconomic development , poison control , environmental planning , human factors and ergonomics , environmental health , suicide prevention , emergency management , risk analysis (engineering) , business , seismic risk , geography , forensic engineering , socioeconomics , engineering , political science , economic growth , civil engineering , medicine , economics , population , law
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.