New Study Highlights Seismic Vulnerability in Dir City, Pakistan, and Proposes Mitigation Strategies

A recent study published in the Journal of Dynamic Disasters has shed light on the seismic vulnerability of buildings in Dir City, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Utilizing a modified rapid visual screening (RVS) approach, the study evaluated a hundred randomly selected buildings, including residential, commercial, government, and religious structures. The findings, detailed in the article (DOI:10.1016/j.jdd.2025.100018), highlight the urgent need for seismic risk mitigation strategies in the region.

Dir City, located in Seismic Zone III according to the Building Code of Pakistan, is predominantly composed of non-engineered and aged structures built by local masons. The study's lead author, Khan Shahzada, emphasized the diversity in structural configurations among the surveyed buildings, which included unreinforced masonry, confined masonry, stone masonry, and reinforced concrete frames with unreinforced masonry infill. The application of positive and negative score modifiers allowed the researchers to assess seismic resistance, with low final scores indicating buildings that require further expert examination.

The study's recommendations for improving seismic resilience in Dir City are comprehensive. They include enforcing stricter building regulations, retrofitting vulnerable structures, and fostering community engagement to build a culture of preparedness. Specific actions proposed include ensuring new buildings adhere to engineering design standards, prioritizing the retrofitting of older, non-engineered buildings, and implementing regular inspections to verify compliance with seismic safety standards.

Community education and financial incentives, such as grants or low-interest loans for retrofitting, are also suggested to encourage investment in structural improvements. Furthermore, the study calls for the development of comprehensive plans that incorporate early warning systems, earthquake drills, and the strengthening of critical infrastructure. The involvement of local stakeholders in applying research findings is deemed crucial for enhancing the seismic safety of Dir City's infrastructure.

This study not only underscores the immediate need for action in Dir City but also serves as a model for assessing and mitigating seismic risks in similar high-risk areas worldwide. The implications of these findings extend beyond local communities, offering valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and disaster risk reduction professionals globally.