Use of seismic microzoning for risk management in Quito, Ecuador

A pilot project has been implemented for Quito, Ecuador, to demonstrate the effectiveness of seismic scenarios in reducing earthquake risk in developing countries. The participants included local scientists, government officials, and foreign advisers. Seismic hazard and damage assessments were performed and the results were then used to delineate a seismic risk management program. The uniqueness of the project is the adaptation of techniques developed in Japan and the United States to the local conditions. The results showed that seismic scenarios in developing countries are not only possible but also efficient in raising awareness of the earthquake risk within all the sectors of the society and in managing this earthquake risk.