Earthquake prevention: Confederation updates its program of measures
To further strengthen earthquake preparedness, the Federal Council has adopted the 2025 to 2028 program of measures. The focus is on implementing the measures from the National Earthquake Preparedness Plan, adopting the new European structural standards, drawing up a national subsoil class map and further developing the Swiss earthquake risk model.
Earthquakes are the natural hazard with the greatest damage potential for Switzerland. A program of measures aimed at comprehensive earthquake risk management at federal level has therefore been in force since 11 December 2000. It is updated every four years. At its meeting on December 13, 2024, the Federal Council took note of the activities for the period 2021 to 2024 and defined the priorities for the next four years.
Implementation of the measures from the national earthquake preparedness plan
The National Earthquake Preparedness Plan 2024 has identified 17 deficits in dealing with earthquakes at federal level. The measures to rectify these deficits must be implemented by the end of 2027. At the same time, the cantons will review or draw up their preparedness plans. In 2028, a joint national earthquake exercise will be held to check whether the planned measures are effective. Many of these measures, such as the further development of federal resource management or medical care after an earthquake, also increase Switzerland's resilience to other hazards.
Adoption of the new European structural standards for earthquake protection
As a member of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Switzerland will introduce the new European structural standards (Eurocodes) at the end of 2027. These will replace the current Swiss standards after a transitional period. The responsible federal agencies will ensure that the Eurocodes are integrated into the federal seismic protection framework.
Development of a national map of seismic subsoil classes
When applying building standards, it is important to know the nature of the soil on site and how it behaves when shaken by earthquakes. To this end, the responsible federal agencies will draw up a national map of seismic subsoil classes in the next period of measures.
Further development of the Swiss seismic risk model
The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) will further develop the Swiss Seismic Risk Model published in 2023. Secondary events that can be triggered by earthquakes will now also be taken into account. These include sea tsunamis and landslides, for example. The aim is to be able to better estimate potential damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Source: admin.ch
