A minor earthquake that struck 17 miles east of the city of Hama in Syria on Tishe B’Av, August 13 sent residents of Damascus and Beirut out to the streets. The earthquake and an aftershock were also felt in northern Israel and Jordan. In a stampede in Hama, Syria following the quake about 25 people were moderately to lightly injured.

Israel Experiences a  Major Earthquake about every  80-100 Years

Israel also experiences a major earthquake about every 80-100 years. The last major earthquake in Mandatory Palestine was in July 11, 1927 and it caused major damage to Lod,  Ramle and Nablus. Nablus was hit the hardest.  Jerusalem, Jericho, Amman and Al-Salt were also struck, but suffered less damage.

The epicenter of this quake was from the Dead Sea and the magnitude was 7.5. About 500 people were killed in this earthquake.

Most Buildings Built before 1980 are not Earthquake Safe 

However, today an earthquake of this magnitude can cause far more casualties in Israel as the country has increased in population and most buildings built before 1980 are not safe from collapse during an earthquake. Only buildings built according to the Israeli standard for earthquake resistance – Law of Standard 413 of 1980 are considered to be safe from collapse. 

Israeli Buildings Built after 1992 are the most Earthquake Safe

However, Israeli buildings built after 1992 are the most earthquake safe, as they now contain a protected space called a meimad in Hebrew, which is made up of very thick concrete walls and heavy metal doors and windows.

In an Earthquake you have only seconds to Run Outside or Enter a Protected Space or Stairwell

In the event of an earthquake you have only seconds to run outside or enter a protected space or stairwell. The safest thing to do in an earthquake is to run outside, but in an open area away from falling electrical wires, trees,  and collapsing buildings. If you live on a third floor or higher you should go into a protected space meimad, but leave the door and windows open or go into the stairwell. However, In the case of rocket attacks you must close the door and windows in the meimad.

Caution: Never enter an elevator during or after an earthquake. Also, never enter an elevator during or after a rocket or missile attack. 

The Time to Prepare for an Earthquake is BEFORE it Strikes

The time to prepare for an earthquake is before it strikes so please see the following instructions from the Israel Homefront Command for making your home earthquake safe, securing heavy objects like cupboards to the wall, what to stock up on, how to prepare your children and more.