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March 29, 2005
Earthquake - one question in my mind
How safe are our buildings? Are they earthquake-proofed? I haven't heard of earthquakes in Malaysia before the one in December and the one yesterday.
Are the buildings sound and safe?
Posted by Andreas at March 29, 2005 10:31 AM
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Northern Malaysia is very susceptible to earthquakes because its closest to the faultline. And yes I think all building built before 2000 were not earthquake proof. Before december, Kuala Lumpur have not suffered an earthquake for few years. More than ten maybe? Maybe 20? I don't know it was published when I was kid. LOL
I'm studying geology now and it's unlikely for Kuala Lumpur to have an earthquake because it does not lie on a fault. It is very unlikely for Malaysia to have an earthquake but pretty normal for Kuala Lumpur residents to feel the aftershocks. So there actually is no need for earthquake engineering in Kuala Lumpur.
Northern Malaysia is an entirely different story.
To see location of the major faults:
http://mezza-9.net/fault.jpg
Posted by: Ivy at March 29, 2005 05:35 PM
Andreas, If you personally feel swaying floors, corridors and staircases, you will be triple spook. It is damn scary when I was holding on to the rail of the staircase and it was moving! *sigh* Just keeping fingers, toes and thumbs crossed, I guess. At least I live on the 3rd floor of a low density apartment and not high up in Komtar.
Posted by: lilian at March 29, 2005 02:27 PM
This doesnt give me a lot of confidence. Hmm - where to find this out?
Posted by: Andreas at March 29, 2005 11:30 AM
I've been thinking about this too. I doubt earthquakes get a lot of consideration when buildings are being planned here. I'm especially talking about apartments/condos. Perhaps the larger office buildings are a bit earthquake-proof, not sure. Pretty scary, especially considering the fact that my wife and I will be moving to a condo (18th floor) next year!
Posted by: Jordan at March 29, 2005 11:19 AM
Andreas,
Actually Malaysia do get earthquakes, courtesy of the Sumatran fault lines. I think altogether, I have experienced at least 4 earthquakes in Penang.
Posted by: Peter at March 29, 2005 10:54 AM
i think only the petronas twin tower are earthquake-proof
Posted by: corpsie at March 29, 2005 10:48 AM
I was just thinking about this -but about bridges. I actually found out that Penang Bridge for example was designed to only withstand earthquakes of up to 7.5 Ritcher scale.
Source: http://www.regit.com/malaysia/intplace/penang/penbridg.htm
Posted by: Dhana at March 29, 2005 10:43 AM