The 2020 Samos Island (Aegean Sea) earthquake: effects on cultural heritage structures

Samos is an island in the Aegean Sea, with rich cultural heritage that suffered significant damage during the Mw 7.0, October 30, 2020, earthquake that was triggered by the rupture of the North Samos fault. The majority of the buildings are masonry ones, constructed during a period of financial wealth from the island’s economic peak in the 19th and early 20th centuries, that is, before the introduction of modern seismic codes. This explains to some extent the damage observed across the island. However, a substantial portion of the building stock, including vernacular architecture and Neoclassical and Venetian-style buildings, exhibited minor to moderate damage. There is an interesting contrast therefore among structures that performed very differently for the same level of ground motion intensity. This paper critically discusses and interprets different damage modes of heritage buildings, drawing lessons for future conservation efforts in seismically active regions. The study concludes with recommendations for simple, pre-earthquake interventions that can enhance the safety of heritage structures.