Seismic hazard and seismic zonation of the region affected by the 2002 Molise, Italy, Earthquake

In 1998, a new system of seismic classification promoted by the Department of Civil Protection identified the area in Italy hit by the 2002 earthquake in Molise and Puglia as a Zone 2 (moderately seismic). However, this classification was not adopted until March 2003, when an ordinance passed that partially closed the gap between scientific knowledge and official recognition of seismic hazard and that established a method for constantly updating the classification in the future. This paper reviews some of the methods available to assess the seismic hazard, particularly referring to the rich seismic history of Italy and using the ‘‘Associated Seismic Area’’ concept. This study confirms that the area affected by this earthquake should be considered as Zone 2. An appendix presents data on the seismic risk of existing buildings in the area and concludes that it is high for masonry buildings and that a strengthening program is needed.