Al Ain: The UAE’s building codes, which are designed to ensure buildings withstand earthquake tremors of 5.5 to 6 on the Richter scale, are perfectly fine, officials said.
The officials said the fact that there had been no one injured nor reports of structural damage — following the 7.8 magnitude quake to hit Iran on Tuesday — was evidence that the codes were working.
Authorities on Wednesday reiterated that there was no reason for the public to worry as building practices in the country were sound. They also stressed that the country’s emergency preparedness in the event of a major calamity was solid.
Dubai Municipality confirmed that tremors did not damage any buildings or properties, with Husain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of the municipality, saying that strict construction standards protecting residential and office structures from aftershocks had been observed across the emirate.
Lootah said Tuesday’s evacuations were a precaution despite historical evidence showing that less powerful tremors do not render high levels of damage.
The tremors felt in the UAE were below the minimum standards set by Dubai Municipality for all buildings, which are able to withstand 5.5 magnitude tremors.
The quake’s impact in the UAE was estimated at between 4 and 5 on the Richter scale, according to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), though it was massive at its epicentre near the Pakistan-Iran boarder. It was some 660km away from the nearest UAE point, Ras Al Khaimah.
Dr Jamal Al Hosani, spokesman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) as well as the NCMS, said members of the public are a partners in safety. He called on them to educate themselves on safety procedures to stay calm in the wake of an earthquake or any other natural calamity.
“We don’t want panic as it causes injuries,” he said, adding that the NCEMA has continuously updated plans about all the safety hazards, including earthquakes.
“Earthquakes are on our disaster management list but not on top of it as [the] UAE is not a locally active seismic zone,” he said.
Construction experts and geologists suggested people should follow simple safety procedures and stay clear of loose or falling objects instead of running out of buildings.
“Fear is always inside the humans, but nerves must be controlled to minimise the impact of natural events,” said Gangaramani J.R., vice-chairman and managing director of Al Fara’a General Contracting Company. “I’ll never run out of my building in any earthquake as I know how strong the construction is in UAE.”
Gangaramani, who himself is a qualified civil engineer, said that UAE municipalities are vigilant in the enforcement of building codes, safety rules and regulations.
“Contractors are following high precautions due to the typical Gulf conditions,” he said.
He said all the construction work in the UAE, whether s on land or islands, is completely safe and can withstand an earthquake of magnitude 6 or even greater. The designs and construction of all new buildings are fully in accordance with international building codes and quality standards, he said.
Gangarami said mega construction projects in Gulf waters are safe and can withstand high waves up to four metres. He said there are no chances of a tsunami in the Arabian Gulf, but the height of waves could go up to certain feet during high-tide times.
Abdul Rahman, a structural engineer in Al Ain, said the extent of damage to old buildings may occur depending on the structural systems, shapes, materials, soil conditions and the age of the structure.
“New buildings in the emirates are being designed according to the proper design codes that include seismic provisions,” he said.
“We take all necessary precautions to protect buildings from earthquake hazards,” he said, adding that each building has enough flexible joints to withstand heightened seismic activity.
