Science of Tsunami Hazards (Feb 2021)
EVALUATION OF SEISMIC AND TSUNAMI RESISTANCE OF POTENTIAL SHELTERS FOR VERTICAL EVACUATION IN CASE OF A TSUNAMI IMPACT IN BAHIA DE CARÁQUEZ, CENTRAL COAST OF ECUADOR
Abstract
Ecuador has been the target of many tsunamis in its past documented history. Therefore, we performed a detailed assessment of the seismic and tsunami resistance of existing buildings, which may serve as temporary potential shelters in Bahía de Caráquez,in the coast of Ecuador. Prior to this evaluation we used the extensively validated tsunami modelling tool, which allowed to yield tsunami run up and tsunami amplitude based on a modelized 8Mw event, near the studied area. Furthermore, we calculated and elaborated evacuation times and routes based on the assumption of a potential tsunami impact, with a veriety of GIS tools. Based on the short time of reaction for the vulnerable population within the potential flooded area, we opted to suggest a nearby solution with a vertical evacuation in buildings along the coastal line. In order to evaluate the potential of such 26 buildings, we used the Modified Italian Methodology in order to calculate the seismic vulnerability index (SVI) and later also determine the tsunami vulnerability index (TVI). The results indicate that only one of the 26 assessed buildings fall within acceptable values below 30 for both, SVI and TVI. As all buildings are of private property, both entrance and stairs remains limited for the general public, hence, new regulations should improve access during a tsunami emergency within an evacuation plan as well as an installed early alert system.
