Earthquake in Kosovo, a concern for construction a decade after the war
A mild 3.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kosovo in the early hours of this morning, without causing material damage or serious concerns to citizens. Although small magnitude earthquakes do not pose a major risk, according to seismologists, they are a clear signal that the region remains seismically active.
"Based on the seismic hazard map, the territory of Kosovo has three or four zones with higher activity, while there are several zones with lower activity. However, every surface within the territory of Kosovo is a seismic zone," said Shemsi Mustafa, director of the Kosovo Seismological Institute.
In the face of this statement, referring to construction standards, which often remain only words on paper, from the perspective of a seismologist, unfortunately, construction in the country cannot withstand even a not very high magnitude earthquake. Therefore, the necessity arises to meet criteria based on the prevention of major disasters.
"Somewhere in the buildings, we are talking about Kosovo, in the 60s very little seismic parameter was included. Buildings from the 70s to the end of the 90s included seismic parameter. What is worrying is about the constructions in the decade after the war that in fact everyone designed, everyone built," Mustafa said, RTK reports.
In this context, experts in the field of construction also underlined that respecting construction standards, and especially intervening in old buildings, is essential for guaranteeing the safety of citizens and reducing the risk in the event of more powerful earthquakes.
"We are permanently skeptical about these issues and we are constantly conducting studies and we have constant concerns about existing buildings and especially about old buildings, buildings built outside the codes, laws that are currently required for construction and for the load-bearing capacity of buildings and their structures."
Civil engineering experts call for Kosovo institutions, which certify projects on the issue of structural stability, to go through the process through the relevant institute and faculty.
According to seismological assessments, the areas most at risk from earthquakes in Kosovo are the Dukagjini region, Prizren, Gjilan, Vitia, Ferizaj, but also Prishtina and the surrounding areas, although to a lower degree. The last major earthquake to hit Kosovo was recorded in the areas of Ferizaj, Vitia and Gjilan, with a magnitude of 6.1.
