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Seismic risk in the city of Al Hoceima (north of Morocco) using the vulnerability index method, applied in Risk-UE project

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Abstract

Al Hoceima is one of the most seismic active regions in north of Morocco. It is demonstrated by the large seismic episodes reported in seismic catalogs and research studies. However, seismic risk is relatively high due to vulnerable buildings that are either old or don’t respect seismic standards. Our aim is to present a study about seismic risk and seismic scenarios for the city of Al Hoceima. The seismic vulnerability of the existing residential buildings was evaluated using the vulnerability index method (Risk-UE). It was chosen to be adapted and applied to the Moroccan constructions for its practicality and simple methodology. A visual inspection of 1102 buildings was carried out to assess the vulnerability factors. As for seismic hazard, it was evaluated in terms of macroseismic intensity for two scenarios (a deterministic and probabilistic scenario). The maps of seismic risk are represented by direct damage on buildings, damage to population and economic cost. According to the results, the main vulnerability index of the city is equal to 0.49 and the seismic risk is estimated as Slight (main damage grade equal to 0.9 for the deterministic scenario and 0.7 for the probabilistic scenario). However, Moderate to heavy damage is expected in areas located in the newer extensions, in both the east and west of the city. Important economic losses and damage to the population are expected in these areas as well. The maps elaborated can be a potential guide to the decision making in the field of seismic risk prevention and mitigation strategies in Al Hoceima.

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Acknowledgments

This research benefited from the ICTP-OEA (Trieste) Programme in the framework of the North African Group for Earthquake and Tsunami studies (NAGET) activities. We also thank two anonymous reviewers’ valuable comments which helped to improve this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Département de Géologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, BP 717, 60000, Oujda , Morocco

    Seif-eddine Cherif

  2. Ecole Nationale des Sciences Appliquées Oujda, Université Mohammed Premier, BP 669, 60000, Oujda , Morocco

    Mimoun Chourak

  3. Université de Blida, Route de Soumâa, BP 270, 09000, Blida, Algeria

    Mohamed Abed

  4. Department of Geotechnical Engineering and Geosciences, Civil Engineering School, Technical, University of Catalonia, Edificio D2, Campus Norte UPC, Jordi Girona 1-3, 08034, Barcelona, Spain

    Luis Pujades

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  1. Seif-eddine Cherif
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Correspondence to Seif-eddine Cherif.

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Cherif, Se., Chourak, M., Abed, M. et al. Seismic risk in the city of Al Hoceima (north of Morocco) using the vulnerability index method, applied in Risk-UE project. Nat Hazards 85, 329–347 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2566-8

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