A Preliminary Study of the Global Application of HAZUS and ShakeMap for Loss Estimation from a Scenario Earthquake in the Korean Peninsular

Efficiency and limitations of HAZUS-MH, a GIS based systematic and informative system developed by FEMA and NIBS for natural hazard loss estimations, are discussed by means of a pilot study in the Korean Peninsula. Gyeongsang-do has been selected for the test after careful reviews of previous studies including historical and modern seismicity in the peninsula. A ShakeMap for the selected scenario earthquake with magnitude 6.7 in Gyeongju area is prepared. Then, any losses due to the scenario event have been estimated using HAZUS. Results of the pilot test show that the study area may experience significant physical, economic, and social damages. Detailed study in the future will provide efficient and crucial information to the decision makers and emergency agents to mitigate any disaster posed by natural hazards.