Is Israel prepared for an earthquake or tsunami?

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If an earthquake or tsunami were to hit Israel, chances are that the country will be ill-equipped to cope with the catastrophe.

And that's worrying, considering that most Israelis know what to do in the event of an incoming rocket attack.

When asked if she was prepared for an earthquake or tsunami, an Israeli said, "Frankly, I don't know."

Another asked: "I cannot tell you what to do. What would you do?"

The last major earthquake struck the region in 1927 and another is expected anytime from now until 2027.

As Israel Geological Survey earthquake expert Ran Nof pointed out, a quake or tsunami is not a matter of if, but when.

"We know there's going to be one. We cannot say or determine when and exactly where it will be," Nof added.

Apart from a nationwide drill, various public awareness campaigns have been held in Israel to prepare people for natural disasters. /CGTN Photo

If hit by an earthquake or tsunami, Jerusalem will suffer the most, where thousands of buildings are expected to collapse, according to Amir Yahav, who sits on the Israel Earthquake Preparedness Steering Committee.

The Israeli government is undertaking seismic retrofitting and conducting quake-readiness training.

However, critics say that the country has traditionally placed too much emphasis on military risks while underestimating civilian ones.

(Report by Stephanie Freid)

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