Enhancing seismic safety means ensuring the protection of people’s lives and infrastructure by government bodies and organizations against the dangers caused by earthquakes. Earthquakes can inflict serious harm on our people and our country. Vigilance in this regard is essential at all times and in every step.

  On May 13, 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals for strengthening seismic safety.

  There are several ways to ensure seismic safety. Naturally, key issues include identifying high-risk earthquake zones, installing modern seismological stations and conducting continuous monitoring, carrying out geological and geotechnical surveys, and implementing building codes and technologies—namely, designing new buildings in accordance with seismic zones and strengthening and reconstructing old buildings.

  It is also important to educate and inform the population about how to act during an earthquake. Organizing evacuation drills in schools, businesses, and institutions, as well as running awareness campaigns through leaflets, banners, and the internet, is essential.

   At the same time, attention should be constantly given to strengthening the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), which includes equipping rescue services with modern equipment and vehicles, preparing and enabling quick deployment of engineering-rescue units, and improving the legal framework for seismic safety.

  Large-scale construction projects are underway in the country. Since 2017, 11,410 apartment buildings have been constructed, contributing to solving housing issues and improving living conditions for the population.

   Seismology—one of the most critical areas in construction—is being actively developed. Special attention is being paid to cooperation with foreign scientific centers and the introduction of innovative technologies in this field. Moreover, Uzbekistan has taken the initiative in many areas of international collaboration.

   As is well known, on April 26, 1966, a devastating earthquake struck Tashkent. The President of Uzbekistan proposed the establishment of a Day of Remembrance and Solidarity to honor the victims of earthquakes and to emphasize the importance of international cooperation in this field. In recognition of this initiative, the United Nations General Assembly recently adopted a resolution declaring April 29 as the International Day of Remembrance for Earthquake Victims.

   To meet international standards in this area, the head of state has set the task of paying greater attention to the quality of new buildings. Accordingly, measures are being taken to improve the earthquake resistance of apartment buildings and to ensure public safety during earthquakes.

   It is worth noting that significant progress has been made in this regard. In particular, with the participation of specialists from state design institutes, on-site studies were conducted. Based on the results of these studies and seismic risk analysis in the regions, proposals were developed to further improve the seismic safety system.

   A new practice of building inspections involving foreign specialists is planned to be introduced. Experience will be shared regarding the construction of residential buildings that are resilient to earthquakes and other natural disasters. Instrumental and technical inspections of buildings are also planned to identify and eliminate deficiencies.

   As a result of these initiatives, and taking into account international experience, changes will be made to regulatory documents regarding the assessment of seismic risks, impacts, and threats.

  The President emphasized that quality and safety in construction must be top priorities and issued instructions for the scientific development of this field and the introduction of modern approaches in the industry.

  Seismic safety is the foundation of peace. This concept is not only a reality but a necessary condition for the sustainable development of every society.

Rakhimboy Jumaniazov, 

Professor, Member of the Union of Writers 

and Journalists of Uzbekistan