Natural hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides and floods, are often more devastating, in terms of loss of life and environmental damage, and also have potential to precipitate technological hazards. It is apparent that several types of natural hazards have the potential to cause large numbers of fatalities. The hazards that cause the largest numbers of fatalities in one event are earthquakes. Despite the recent scientific evolution, earthquakes are still the most unpredictable and feared natural disaster. In fact they seem to occur without any previous warning. They also last a few seconds, but they can cause severe human losses and material damage. In the 1990s there have already been 13 earthquakes worldwide where fatalities have exceeded 1000 people.
It is not possible to predict earthquakes. However, their physical consequences
are highly predictable once we know which are the potential seismogenetic sources that may affect an area and the physical and human characteristics of that same area. Though we can not prevent earthquakes from occurring, their affects can be quite minimised through effective prevention measures and reduction of vulnerability. The aim of this document is to underline the seriousness of the seismic risk in Europe, to present the measures and the initiatives that have been taken in national level regarding earthquakes, as well as the relevant activities and initiatives that of the European Union institutions and other international organisations. The main target of this project is to contribute to the development of the European Union policy against seismic disasters.