A recent study published in the Journal of Dynamic Disasters has shed light on the seismic vulnerability of buildings in Dir City, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Utilizing a modified rapid visual screening (RVS) approach, researchers assessed a hundred randomly selected buildings, revealing significant risks due to the area's location in Seismic Zone III and the prevalence of non-engineered, old structures built by local masons.
The study, detailed in the article with DOI 10.1016/j.jdd.2025.100018, employed a modified Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) data collection form to evaluate buildings of diverse structural configurations. These included unreinforced masonry, confined masonry, stone masonry, and reinforced concrete frames with unreinforced masonry infill. The findings underscore the urgent need for measures to mitigate seismic risks in the region.
First author Khan Shahzada emphasized the importance of the study's recommendations, which include enforcing stricter building regulations, retrofitting vulnerable structures, and fostering community engagement to build a culture of preparedness. The study's approach, using positive and negative score modifiers to assess seismic resistance, highlights buildings requiring further expert examination, mapping final scores to potential vulnerability damage grades.
Among the prioritized actions are ensuring new buildings adhere to engineering design standards, retrofitting older structures, implementing regular inspections, and educating residents on seismic resilience. The study also suggests financial incentives for retrofitting, comprehensive disaster preparedness plans, and the involvement of local stakeholders in applying research findings to improve infrastructure safety.
This research is crucial for Dir City and similar high-risk areas worldwide, offering a blueprint for enhancing seismic resilience through community engagement, regulatory enforcement, and technological innovation. The study's findings and recommendations could significantly impact urban planning and disaster preparedness strategies, potentially saving lives and reducing economic losses in future seismic events.
