Uganda at Glance of 5.7 Magnitude Earthquake: Lessons for Earthquake Risk Reduction

Area of Science:

• Seismology
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Earthquake Engineering

Background:

• Uganda is highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location in the East African Rift Valley System.
• Earthquakes are among the deadliest natural disasters globally, posing a significant threat to Uganda.

Purpose of the Study:

• To narratively outline the nature and impact of the September 10, 2016 earthquake in Uganda.
• To identify proactive lessons for earthquake risk reduction in Uganda based on the 2016 event.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of live event experience and media reports.
• Narrative description of the earthquake's characteristics and impact.
• Assessment of damage and casualties using the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.

Main Results:

• A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Uganda on September 10, 2016.
• Rakai district was the most affected, with four fatalities, 20 hospitalizations, 590 affected individuals, and significant structural damage.
• The earthquake was classified as severe despite being less devastating than previous events.

Conclusions:

• The 2016 earthquake underscores the necessity of proactive earthquake preparedness in Uganda.
• Key recommendations include promoting earthquake-resistant buildings, ensuring infrastructure safety, implementing early warning systems, and prioritizing rescue team welfare.
• A shift from reactive to proactive earthquake risk management is crucial for mitigating future devastating impacts.