ON THE EARTHQUAKE HAZARD AND THE MANAGEMENT OF SEISMIC RISK IN BULGARIA

This article examines issues of assessment and management of seismicrisk in Bulgaria in recent years. It presents the views of the authors also from theirpositions in the leadership of the former Expert Council on Assessment and Managementof Seismic Risk (AMSR) of the Scientific Coordinating Council (SCC) serving the Government Commission for Population Protection against Disasters, Accidents and Catastrophes (GCPPDAC). Some basic knowledge on earthquakesources, seismicity and seismic zoning of the Bulgarian territory is given. Effects ofseismic excitations on different types of structure are presented. The report is illustratedwith original photographs of the destruction and damage caused by the impactof earthquakes in our country and adjacent lands over the past three decades. Considering the high level of seismicity and vulnerability of the Bulgarian territorysome conclusions and recommendations on seismic risk mitigation of structures aremade