Rapid Damage Assessment in Earthquake Damaged Heritage Buildings Case Study of 2019 November 26th Earthquake in Albania

This paper presents a case of post disaster risk assessment method, for cultural heritage monuments and sites, implemented in the aftermath of the 2019 earthquake in Albania. The paper aims at showing the importance of using a continuous cycle approach in cultural heritage sites comprised of the five stages: preparedness, planning, response, recovery and mitigation. The response actions undertaken from the heritage institutions, after the 2019 earthquake, in the disaster areas, revealed a good approach and effective methods of rapid assessment for the identification and evaluation of damages and needs recovery. The paper indicates that this methodology, proven to be successful in the response and recovery process, can be used also for the assessment of hazards and risks in the preparedness and planning phases. This paper points out the importance of a responsible attitude and a planned approach in risk assessment, which can be a powerful tool for the mitigation of potential risks as well as for an effective response in possible cases of disaster in the future.