It repeats itself constantly, prompted by reports of earthquakes around the world; most recently Haiti and Peru, but Israeli expects are once again asking just how prepared are we to address an earthquake. Adding to the relevance are reports form seismologists, who predict a major quake is indeed due to strike the region, based on history and geological studies.

While officials representing the nation’s contractor’s union insist new construction around Israel conforms to the latest directives vis-à-vis earthquakes, and the IDF Homefront Command supposedly addressing the relevant issues, State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss has a different report, one showing that virtually nothing has been done to improve the national state of preparedness.

Addressing the State Audit Committee, Lindenstrauss cites earlier reports addressing earthquake preparedness, lamenting the reality that almost nothing has been done to improve the national situation over recent years. In short, decisions simply are not implemented. He stated previous reports over recent years warn of the dangers if chas v’sholom there is an earthquake, and despite a government decision to act reached in December 2008, there is virtually no change.

A multi-year plan allocating NIS 3.5 billion to fortify public buildings was passed, but there has been no fortification. Committee chair MK Yoel Sasson stated that lawmakers are responsible to ensure the nation is taking the necessary steps to prepare for such a reality.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)