Assessment of Seismic Risk Reduction Capacity and Urban Resilience to Earthquakes: A Case Study of the City of Tabriz

Mirzajani, Mohsen

doi:10.22111/jneh.2026.52487.2120

Assessment of Seismic Risk Reduction Capacity and Urban Resilience to Earthquakes: A Case Study of the City of Tabriz

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Author

Mohsen Mirzajani

Assistant Prof., Department of Civil Engineering, Marand Technical Faculty, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

10.22111/jneh.2026.52487.2120

Abstract

As Tabriz is located on active faults and has experienced devastating earthquakes in recent years, crisis management must assess the city's resilience to seismic hazards. In this study, the seismic risk-reduction capacity is evaluated, and the city's resilience against earthquakes is assessed using the urban resilience scorecard against disasters, aligned with the Sendai Framework. This research can be categorized as applied research, and its methodology is Descriptive Analytics, which was conducted qualitatively. The thematic analysis method (TAM) was implemented. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, expert questionnaires, and the analysis of documents and scientific sources. In this evaluation, ten principles and 47 indicators were examined. The findings of the study show that Tabriz scores low in terms of seismic resilience, reflecting deficiencies in organizational structures, inadequate budget allocation, lack of specialized human resources, lack of integrated urban management, insufficient public awareness of earthquake hazards, and weaknesses in data collection and validation by relevant organizations, which has been discussed and analyzed in detail inside the article's text. In addition, the article's findings indicate that data vulnerabilities need to be evaluated and categorized, a thorough database must be established, information should be disseminated and regularly updated, and cohesive disaster management strategies should be formulated and executed across the city. The preliminary earthquake risk assessment results for Tabriz show that the city has scored a low 45 out of 141 (approximately 32%) in terms of resilience. Out of the 47 indicators examined, 10 are "not yet implemented," 29 are "partially implemented," 5 are "in progress," and only three are "fully established." The most significant gaps include the lack of integrated crisis management, a shortage of dedicated funding, weaknesses in data sharing, low public awareness, and vulnerability of critical infrastructure.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Crisis-management

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