An earthquake of local magnitude 5.8 on the Richter scale occurred at Dahshur, the epicenter 18 km south of the centre of Cairo, Egypt, on Monday, 12 October 1992 at 3:09 pm (local time). Many buildings and 212 of 560 monuments in Cairo were collapsed or severely damaged. Modern concrete skeletal structures had minor nonstructural damage. More than 560 people lost their lives, many thousands were injured and more. A large number of historical Islamic minarets were also significantly damaged.
The divergent of plates caused this earthquake. It is due to the loose sedimentary layer that fills the Nile Valley graben and overlays the bedrock. Following the earthquake, the government developed and emphasizes strict building codes and specifications. To reduce disaster risks, drills are often carried out and effectiveness of these plans is then analysed. The government has prepared an annual training plan targeting those who work in the field of Civil Defence to enhance their capability and build their capacities in the area of disaster risk reduction. Following the earthquake, the government reviewed the code of buildings and standards.
The divergent of plates caused this earthquake. It is due to the loose sedimentary layer that fills the Nile Valley graben and overlays the bedrock. Following the earthquake, the government developed and emphasizes strict building codes and specifications. To reduce disaster risks, drills are often carried out and effectiveness of these plans is then analysed. The government has prepared an annual training plan targeting those who work in the field of Civil Defence to enhance their capability and build their capacities in the area of disaster risk reduction. Following the earthquake, the government reviewed the code of buildings and standards.
I think that a lot can be done to minimize damage from such events. They should in the first place build strong houses that could withstand earthquakes. If the buildings did not collapse, not so many people will die or get injured. If they knew that an earthquake was approaching, an announcement could be broadcast and published for weeks ahead of time. People should be outside their homes with their fire extinguishers handy and their utilities shut off. Drivers should pull off the road and boats should be moved into open water. Hospitals and fire departments should be prepared. If they had earthquake drills annually before the earthquake, everyone would know what to do when the earthquake approached.
Website
http://desastres.usac.edu.gt/documentos/pdf/eng/doc5805/doc5805.pdf
http://www.springerlink.com/content/r546n6x4478l0350/
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/109792861/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
http://bases.bireme.br/cgibin/wxislind.exe/iah/online/IsisScript=iah/iah.xis&src=google&base=DESASTRES&lang=p&nextAction=lnk&exprSearch=6556&indexSearch=ID http://www.unisdr.org/eng/country-inform/reports/Egypt-report.pdf
Book
Plate Tectonics
