Economic Consequences of Earthquakes: Preparing for the Unexpected

Abstract

This proceedings contains 16 papers written by recognized leaders in the field of economics, insurance, seismology, engineering, and earthquake hazards mitigation that examine the damaging effects of earthquakes and their potential impact on business, commerce, industry, insurance, and the financial markets. Many papers draw on experiences from the 1995 Kobe and 1994 Northridge earthquakes and consider the implications for United States metropolitan areas. Specific topics include: 1) implications of the Great Hanshin earthquake for major US cities; 2) potential earthquakes in the eastern and central United States; 3) preparedness and mitigation; 4) economic implications of damage to infrastructure and mitigation opportunities; 5) business disruption and economic consequences; and 6) potential impact on finance and insurance.