Integrated Disaster Management of the Algiers-Boumerdes (Algeria) Earthquake of 21 May 2003

Abstract eng:
This research work presents the study of the second largest earthquake recorded in the Central Algeria since 1716. On Wednesday 21 may 2003, at 18 hours 44 minutes UTC (19h 44 local time), a destructive earthquake occurred in the provinces (wilaya) of Algiers and Boumerdes affecting a rather densely populated region of about 3,000,000 people within 1,000 km2. The magnitude of the earthquake was calculated at Ms = 6.6 (Mw 6.8). The epicenter was located at 36°.89N –3°.78E at about 10 km offshore from the locality of Zemmouri in the province of Boumerdes about 50 km east of the capital city of Algiers. The main shock caused the loss of 2,278 lives, injuring more than 11,450 others, making about 200,000 homeless and 45 people missing; it destroyed or seriously damaged at least 128 000 housing units distributed as follows: Algiers (78 000), Boumerdes (34 000), Tizi ouzou (7 000), Bouira (4 300), Blida (2 500), Tipaza (1 700), Béjaia (850) and Médéa (150) in eight provinces. The extent of the socio-economic impacts of these events confirmed that Algerian buildings are highly vulnerable to the recurrence of destructive earthquakes. Maximum intensity reached is evaluated at Io = X (MSK) scale at Zemmouri, Boumerdes, Corso; Thenia, Reghaia, Boudouaou, Bordj-El-Bahri and Bordj-El-Kiffan. This paper illustrates the issues as damage and loss assessment, housing reconstruction, relocation or in situ reconstruction, debris removal, reconstruction multi-hazard resistant, steps for capacity building (training of engineers, masons, etc.), insurance, urban reconstruction, livelihood, psychological and medical rehabilitation, social rehabilitation, infrastructure reconstruction and disaster management capacity building. This earthquake disaster has seriously raised the awareness of the government and the whole population alike.

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