Many older buildings could collapse if shaken, scientists say
Seismic experts have warned of possible devastating damage in Hong Kong in the rare event of a major earthquake, as the city does not require anti-quake designs in high-rise buildings.
Contrary to the belief that the city is immune to earthquakes, it is at risk of experiencing a quake rated at an intensity of seven on the modified Mercalli scale (MMS), according to the China Earthquake Administration. Intensity seven means severe shaking strong enough to cause cracks and non-structural damage to buildings.
The 12-level scale indicates the intensity of an earthquake, while the Richter scale refers to its magnitude. The intensity of an earthquake at a particular locality is a measure of the violence of motion produced by a quake.
On Thursday, the city was hit by a quake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale that had an MMS intensity of four. It was widely felt across the city and was among the strongest in recent years because it was centred 36km from Hong Kong.
'Civic education tells Hong Kong people the city is immune to the hazards of earthquakes, but the truth is we are not,' said Joseph Wong Chung-kai, from City University of Hong Kong's building and construction department.