According to an interview with structural engineer Atalay published by Addis Standard, Ethiopia must urgently adopt stronger measures to enhance its resilience against earthquakes. Atalay highlighted significant gaps in the country’s current building and construction practices, calling for immediate reforms in building codes and stricter enforcement mechanisms.
“Improving building codes is critical for constructing earthquake-resistant structures,” he said, advocating for performance-based design standards and regular updates to align with the latest seismic research. He also recommended detailed seismic hazard assessments to identify high-risk areas and adjust building practices accordingly.
Atalay noted that government enforcement is a critical component. “A building code is ineffective without proper supervision and adherence during construction,” he added, emphasizing the need for rigorous quality control and public awareness campaigns about seismic safety.
For long-term strategies, Atalay proposed establishing a dedicated government entity to monitor and reduce earthquake risks. He stressed the importance of investing in advanced seismic monitoring networks, early warning systems, and expanded research on Ethiopia’s seismic vulnerabilities.
The interview underscores the urgent need for Ethiopia to strengthen its earthquake resilience through comprehensive policies and proactive implementation.