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Earthquakes are a major source of death and devastation, but with appropriate risk reduction measures the destructions can be avoided. In order to reduce earthquake risk it is important to understand how earthquakes cause destruction, and how such destruction can be prevented. This course provides that basic understanding, by laying out the various steps for developing an Earthquake Risk Reduction Program (ERRP).

ERRPs may be developed by different persons or organizations, depending on how the risk arises, and who bears the risk. Typically, within an organization, persons responsible for the facilities will develop an ERRP – this might be the engineer of a school district or the manager of facilities for a company. They may develop the ERRP themselves, or retain experts to develop the ERRP for them. Sometimes, the ERRP may be developed by other groups, such as the parents concerned about the seismic safety of their children’s schools. No matter who develops the program, the steps and methods are the same. In order for you to learn these steps and methods this course presents three sessions: (1) Concepts and Terminology; (2) Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, and (3) Mitigation and Earthquake Risk Reduction Program.

Course Format
The course consists of self-paced modules, discussion forums, exercises, readings, case studies, tests and learning via interaction with program faculty and peers. Moreover, for each module there are 2 to 3 audio sessions of expert lectures for 40–45 minutes each. The Course materials shall be provided in a CD to each participant.

Course Expectations
Participants are expected to commit 8–10 hours per week (per module) in order to gain the most out of this course in addition to:

• Completing the required reading assignments
• Participating in all online activities. Participation involves posting a minimum of two messages per week that are substantive in nature. The message can be either a new topic or a reply to someone else's message. Participants are encouraged to post more often than twice a week in order to be involved more deeply into topics.
• Completing assignments and end of course project
• Completing course evaluation at the end of the course

Certificate
Joint certificate from NIDM and WBI shall be issued to all successful participants of the course.

Objective
The objective of this specialization course is to develop a wider understanding of earthquakes and to contribute to increased knowledge of earthquake risk reduction practices. This objective is accomplished through sessions describing earthquake hazards and vulnerabilities and presenting an integrated framework for assessing and reducing earthquake risk through implementation of earthquake risk reduction programs.

Agenda
The course consists of presentations, case studies, readings and an end of course exercise. During the course, instructors and facilitators from National Institute of Disaster Management and the World Bank Institute will guide the participants and evaluate the project work.