Actions towards seismic risk mitigation in Martinique, French Antilles

Abstract

International audience ; The French Antilles (French West Indies) are located within a high seismic hazard zone. In 2007, the French Government has launched the French Antilles National Earthquake Plan to reduce the vulnerability of people and buildings in these islands. In Martinique, actions regarding public information are implemented by the Réplik group ('Réplik' means 'aftershock' in French) since 2006. Actions include events and innovations which intend to raise awareness among the public: theatre skits, prevention caravan and earthquake simulator, conferences, posters and plastic arts exhibitions related to earthquakes, specific goodies, information stands in fairs, TV and radio spots, information in companies during working hours, training courses for construction professionals and recently a specific internet site dedicated to the local actions. The seismic hazard mitigation policy also consists in actions regarding the vulnerability of previous buildings and lifelines or infrastructures. The seismic diagnosis (and their potential capacity to be reinforced) of public primary and high schools has begun; based on this inventory, several retrofit or strengthening projects to the seismic standards are now launched, with techniques adapted to the local context. On a scientific point of view, a regional evaluation of coastal exposure to tsunami has been completed and seismic microzonations are currently being implemented in several districts. Surveys and observations outline a growing knowledge demand and preparedness concern from the community and from the local representatives. However, despite these initiatives, surveys about preparedness appropriation and the low number of retrofit projects suggest that there is still much to do towards seismic risk mitigation in Martinique.