Warning About Potential Earthquake Consequences in Tehran; Deputy of the International Institute of Earthquake Research: Officials Are Dodging Responsibilities

The head of the Structural Engineering Research Institute and deputy of the International Institute of Earthquake Research stated that "officials are dodging responsibilities," saying, "There will be no disaster worse than an earthquake in Tehran in the world." Fariborz Nateghi-Elahi told the 'Khabar Fori' website: "We know what the problems are regarding the Tehran earthquake and how to address them, but we face issues in the execution phase." He added, "Executive officials either do not believe in these studies or do not consider them important and are evading issues." According to the head of the Structural Engineering Research Institute and deputy of the International Institute of Earthquake Research, "A great sin lies on the shoulders of the officials regarding earthquakes in the country, as, for example, in a city like Tehran, there is a constant risk of a devastating earthquake, and they must take responsibility for 10 to 14 million people." Mr. Nateghi-Elahi continued, "Unfortunately, every day we encounter phrases like 'buy tents' or 'there hasn't been an earthquake in Tehran for 3,000 years,' and officials are evading responsibilities and even lack the ability to do more." He also stated, "Universities, research institutes, and earthquake centers have correctly introduced and defined the issue," but noted, "In the part that pertains to executive officials, we have made no progress, and this will one day lead to the destruction of Tehran and cause problems throughout the country." These remarks came after a 3.9 magnitude earthquake shook an area 10 kilometers north of Damavand in eastern Tehran province on August 19. Following that, a 2.5 magnitude earthquake occurred near the border of Tehran and Mazandaran provinces. In connection with these earthquakes, the head of the earthquake department at the Road and Urban Development Research Center told ILNA that in the area where the earthquake occurred, "we are witnessing strange construction activities, and the volume of construction in this area is such that the face of this area changes every month in terms of construction volume." Ali Bitahli pointed out that "in terms of seismic risk, given the presence of the Mosha fault in this area, this region is considered one of the high-risk areas, and as construction increases in this area, the risk of earthquakes increases." He also mentioned that in addition to the city of Damavand, the regions of Abali and Roudhen are also affected by this fault, which is located 7 kilometers from Abali and 13 kilometers from Roudhen, close to populated centers, and residents in this area have also felt the earthquake. Mr. Bitahli also noted in an interview with ISNA, referring to historical seismic events in this region, that this area experienced the largest devastating earthquake about 165 years ago, which even affected the city of Tehran, and according to historical records, the British embassy at that time in Tehran was affected by this earthquake and sustained damage. He added that this fault is a very active fault with high seismicity and is associated with destructive and devastating earthquakes, and the effects of this earthquake, given its proximity to the east of the metropolis of Tehran, could seriously threaten the capital of Iran. According to the head of the earthquake department at the Road and Urban Development Research Center, the Mosha fault extends from northern Tehran to the vicinity of Nazarabad in Qazvin province and stretches eastward to Firuzkuh County. Previously, earthquakes had occurred around Damavand, including on May 8, 2020, which were felt in parts of Tehran province. Numerous experts have warned about the significant consequences of an earthquake occurring in Tehran, pointing to the presence of major faults in the city and the urban fabric of the capital. Recently, a Ministry of Roads and Urban Development official reported that there are over 12,000 buildings on the faults of the Iranian capital. Ali Bitahli, head of the earthquake department at the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, emphasized in July of this year the high risk of earthquake-related damages in this area, noting that three major faults pass through District 1 of Tehran.