Four earthquakes measuring 3.5 and 3.6 on the Richter scale were felt in the Tiveria/Kinneret area of northern Israel between Thursday 13 Cheshvan and Sunday 16 Cheshvan 5774. The epicenter of the quakes was in the Kinneret area, prompting renewed discussion regarding Israel’s earthquake preparedness.

The two most recent earthquakes occurred on Sunday, about four hours apart, four kilometers under the surface in the area prone to earthquakes known as the Syrian African Rift. The experts explain the earthquakes were about the minimum reading that we feel and yet residents of Tzfas, Rosh Pina and the Jordan Valley reported feeling the tremor.

While there were no reports of injuries some new cracks are prominently visible on roads in Tiveria in the Kinneret area. Some residents did report items fell from shelves in their homes but B’chasdei H’shem that appears to be the worst of the damage reports.

However, the concerns which lie dormant are renewed, especially for residents of the older areas of Tiveria for they already know the experts explain their apartment buildings will come tumbling down in the event of a significant quake. While technology offers partial solutions and improvements, such improvements have not been implemented in Tiveria. Residents feel the national government for one reason or another has not given the order to begin taking measures that have been implemented elsewhere despite the fact Tiveria is a relatively high-risk area for earthquakes. The experts confirm that Tiveria and the Hula Valley are indeed on the rift and therefore, are earthquake prone. The city of Tiveria has known disastrous earthquakes, in 1837 and 1927. Those who monitor earthquake activity predict the next “real earthquake” is due around 2017, admitting despite their scientific data, one cannot predict an earthquake. Experts feel those in positions of responsibility as not taking the threat as serious as they should, adding “One major earthquake and it will all change. Then everyone will be serious about preparedness”.

In one report, which was released by the daily Maariv, a senior IDF Northern Command official is quoted anonymously saying “we are making an effort and there is improvement, but there is still room for improvement”. However, on a less optimistic tone the experts in the Homefront Command estimate a serious earthquake would lead to the destruction of many buildings, leaving hundreds injured and thousands dead chas v’sholom. The government’s Tama 38 Plan offers solutions to improve the chances of survival for residents of older buildings but Tiveria is not being included. This refers to buildings constructed prior to 1980.

Buildings constructed in total compliance with Tama 38, those constructed after May 2005 have the best chance of survival. However dozens of older buildings have been fortified and are now viewed as compliant as well.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)