Secretary of State: Moldova to launch seismic risk app for buildings by 2027
By 2027, the Republic of Moldova plans to launch a mobile application to rapidly assess and classify buildings by seismic risk, categorised as high, medium, or low. This initiative is a significant step toward monitoring building safety and preparing for potential earthquakes, according to Veaceslav Șipitca, State Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
The Republic of Moldova has received a grant of approximately 1.2 million dollars from the World Bank, and national specialists have been identified to implement the project, with support from experts in Romania.
In April, a delegation will travel to Bucharest to address specific technical aspects, with two Romanian experts assisting them. The Secretary of State shared this information during an appearance on the “Buna dimineata” show on Moldova 1 TV.
The individuals trained to conduct rapid assessments of buildings will not hold the title of technical experts; they will only classify buildings.
Later on, structures identified as having a high seismic risk will undergo detailed technical evaluations, both destructive and non-destructive. This will help determine whether they can be reconstructed or reinforced to meet seismic standards. To implement this government decision, several resources are needed, including a mobile application, an interactive seismic zoning and micro-zoning map, along with regulations for seismic design. If the application is developed according to the schedule with the World Bank, it is expected to be completed by 2027, allowing data to be stored and cataloged.
Currently, Moldova has a seismic zoning map divided into three zones: the southern zone with a seismicity rating of 8 degrees, the central zone at 7 degrees, and the northern zone at 6 degrees.
This general classification is influenced by the distance from the Vrancea seismic zone. However, each locality can have varying levels of seismic risk depending on the geomorphological characteristics of the soil, groundwater levels, and soil traceability. For example, while Chisinau typically has a rating of 7 degrees, some areas, particularly those with high water levels along the Bâc River or prone to landslides, like the Telecentru and Schinoasa areas, could experience seismicity of up to 9 degrees.
The World Bank project also aims to create an interactive digital map that will provide seismic data for any location in Moldova with a single click.
Regarding the trustworthiness of buildings constructed after the 1990s in Moldova, the specialist noted that, theoretically, buildings built between 1990 and 1997 are at higher risk of earthquake damage than those constructed after the adoption of the Law on Construction Quality on February 2, 1996.
"This is a more theoretical statement, as there hasn't been a precise assessment or expertise conducted to provide definitive answers," explained Veaceslav Șipitca. "The responsibility lies with the designer, construction site managers, and technical managers. The construction quality system is designed to meet these requirements. I prefer to believe that developers are not compromising on the structural integrity and stability, as these are essential requirements that cannot be overlooked; neglecting them would have negative consequences."
According to the same source, any building owner can request technical expertise from specialists, which will provide precise data on the building's condition.
We remind you that Moldova experienced three significant earthquakes in the last century: in 1940, 1977, and 1986, all of which had their epicentres in the Vrancea Mountains of Romania.
