The Turkey-Syria earthquake has revealed that earthquakes are one of the most destructive disasters that can occur on our planet. The earthquake caused widespread damage to infrastructure, buildings, and homes, and resulted in over 36,000 fatalities.

One of the most effective ways to mitigate the damage caused by earthquakes is by constructing earthquake-resistant buildings. Miyamoto Relief is currently working to construct seismic-resilient cultural heritages and schools to build a safer future around the world.

Here are some examples of our work:

Seismic retrofits of cultural heritage buildings in Lebanon

Lebanon is home to many cultural heritage sites that are of great historical and cultural importance. However, due to its location, Lebanon is also at risk of earthquakes, which can cause severe damage to these sites. This is why it is essential to retrofit cultural heritage sites to make them more earthquake resistant.

Miyamoto Relief is in the process of developing seismic repair guidelines for Lebanon in order to preserve some of its most vulnerable buildings. Through funding from the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), Miyamoto Relief is supporting the development of seismic retrofit guidelines, the training of national engineers and other relevant technical specialists, the development of a capacity building application, and facilitating an international knowledge exchange to ensure that Lebanon has the expertise needed to preserve its cultural heritage monuments.

Constructing earthquake-resistant schools in Southern Haiti

The safety of students and teachers is the most important consideration when it comes to building schools in earthquake-prone areas. Seismic resilient schools are designed to withstand the forces of earthquakes, which means they are less likely to collapse or sustain serious damage during seismic events. Thanks to funding from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Miyamoto Relief will repair four schools in Haiti’s Sud Department, leading to structures that are in a condition that allows children to safely attend school, and more resilient to withstand future shocks.

The importance of earthquake-resistant buildings cannot be overstated. They are essential for ensuring the safety of the people who occupy them, reducing economic losses, and facilitating a faster recovery after an earthquake. Investing in earthquake-resistant buildings and infrastructure is a wise decision for individuals, communities, and governments alike. By prioritizing earthquake-resistant construction, we can better prepare for seismic events and reduce the impact of this destructive disaster.