SAFETY AND SECURITY PLANNING AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN CASE OF AN EARTHQUAKE IN BULGARIA

Abstract

Security planning and disaster management are critical areas of focus in Bulgaria, given the country's vulnerability to various natural and man-made disasters, including earthquakes. Bulgaria has established an emergency management system for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This system includes various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and volunteers who work together to ensure an effective response to disasters. The Bulgarian government and the science community conduct risk assessments to identify potential earthquake hazard zones and to assess the risks they pose to people and infrastructure. Bulgaria actively participates in international cooperation efforts related to disaster management as those of the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Several projects have been implemented funded by the European Commission as the SHARE project, which aimed to provide a community-based seismic hazard model for the Euro-Mediterranean region, and DACEA and ESNET projects aimed to develop a seismic hazard and risk assessment for the Balkan region, and mechanisms for early warning, public awareness, and quick response in case of a disaster. The present paper gives an overview of the country's focus on risk assessment, disaster preparedness, response, recovery efforts, and international cooperation, underscoring its commitment to disaster management. The topic is particularly relevant now because of the severe consequences of Turkey's recent strong earthquakes. We present findings from various international cooperation efforts in Bulgaria related to earthquake disaster management and results from research related to the assessment of seismic hazards and risk in particular regions in the country.