Little is known about the process of long-term reconstruction after damaging urban earthquakes. Large metropolitan earthquakes are scattered over time and the globe in a way that makes assembly and sharing of experiences difficult. Many U.S. metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Charleston, Memphis and Boston face the prospect of a large magnitude earthquake and the tasks of rebuilding. Many large cities throughout the world are also subject to major earthquakes. Yet few planners, here or abroad, are aware of the problems they may face or the resources available to help before and after an earthquake. Through this project an international symposium will be organized to discuss specific issues related to reconstruction after urban earthquakes. Planners or other officials from cities around the world who have planned for the rebuilding an earthquake- damaged city will be invited to share experiences with planners from vulnerable U.S. cities and selected government officials and researchers. The aim is to learn from others' experiences how to seize opportunities and avoid pitfalls in planning for rebuilding after large magnitude earthquakes. Foreign participants will have the opportunity to learn first hand from each other. In addition they will have a chance to learn informally what actions U.S. and foreign cities are taking to reduce losses prior to an earthquake and prepare for rebuilding. A report distilling the main points of the symposium will be prepared to share the insights of symposium participants with a wider audience.
