Implementation of the new expeditious method for seismic vulnerability assessment : Malta

Abstract

The seismic risk in Malta is perceived to be low, and no significant events have been recorded in recent years. In 1693, a major earthquake struck about 170 kilometres from Malta, devastating south—eastern Sicily, and causing serious damage in buildings in Malta with historical records of significant damage in Mdina but also in Valletta, Rabat and elsewhere. Research suggests that a similar earthquake on the same fault could occur every few hundred years. The urban landscape of Malta is characterized by a large density, mainly consisting of load—bearing masonry structures.