SwissEarthquakeExpert: Earthquake risk in Switzerland

The earthquake risk is greatest in densely populated areas due to the large number of people and buildings. Therefore, the expected effects of earthquakes would be most devastating in such urban areas. Thus, the highest earthquake risk in Switzerland is the cities of Basel, Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne, and Bern, in that order. Although the earthquake hazard in these regions differs, all five cities have, by virtue of their size, a large number of people and assets that would be affected by an earthquake. In addition, these cities have many buildings, some particularly vulnerable and often located on soft ground that amplifies seismic waves.

Earthquake risk (or seismic risk) quantifies the possible effects of earthquakes on buildings and the associated financial and human losses.