Shaky interest in seismic risk assessment surveys

According to International Herald Tribune, Kathimerini, the Greek government's Seismic Risk Assessment Program for public buildings, has not prompted regional authorities to step up building inspections. In 11 years only 15 per cent of the hospitals, schools, power plants and other public facilities have been checked, as the seismic risk assessments are not mandatory.

"Greece is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, but the thousands of quakes recorded each year rarely result in severe damage or fatalities," states the writer of the article, Thanassis Tsinganas.