Seismic risk reduction in Croatia: mitigating the challenges and grasping the opportunities

Abstract

Croatia is located in a seismically active region of Southern Europe. Disastrous earthquakes have occurred in the past and can hit again and, if not adequately addressed, losses to life and property can be significant. Yet, there is still not enough community awareness and understanding of the potential seismic risk, although it is indispensable for successful mitigation strategies. This paper discusses the current state of knowledge and practice related to seismic risk assessment and reduction activities in the country, and gives suggestions on how to effectively overcome challenges and seize the opportunities to increase community resilience.