Evaluating the impacts of earthquake in Ezgele, Kermanshah (Iran)(occurred on 2017/11/12)

Abstract

Abstract Earthquake is one of the most important environmental hazards associated with massive casualties and pecuniary losses. The earthquake of November 12th, 2017 in Ezgele, Kermanshah has been one of the most destructive earthquakes ever happened in Iran; in this study, considering the importance of the issue, we have evaluated its tangible and intangible effects. Our research data include radar images from Sentinel 1, statistical information on earthquake stress and damage estimates obtained via extensive fieldworks. ARCGIS and GMT software were used as research tools. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) was also used to analyze data. To achieve the desired goals, first the tangible effects of earthquakes were estimated using results obtained from fieldwork and documentary data from relevant organizations. Then, radar images were used to evaluate the intangible effects of earthquakes and the effects of stresses on urban areas, plains and slopes. The obtained results show that longitudinal cracks, slips and building collapses have been the most significant reported tangible impacts. Also, the most important intangible impacts of the earthquake across the study area are +917 to -613 mm vertical displacement, in cities, plains and slopes, which can cause a lot of damage in the near future.