Moderate quake hits Israel

The seismological department at the Geophysical Institute said the quake's epicenter was 30 kilometers north of the Dead Sea in the Jordan Rift Valley. The tremors were felt at about 7:05 a.m.

Afula resident Esti Shadmi, 45, said she was in her house at the time of the quake.

"The chair and table moved. It was a familiar feeling, but lighter than the earthquake felt about one-and-a-half years ago," she said. "I live on the seventh floor, but am not worried."

Rishon Lezion resident Moti Toaf, 42, told Ynet about his experience.

"I was sitting on the balcony working on the computer. Suddenly I felt everything move," he said. "Then I felt the tremor. I said to myself, 'what is happening here?' And another tremor occurred. It lasted no more than 10 seconds."

'This earthquake is wonderful'

Dr. Yoav Serna, chairman of the Israeli Engineering Association believes that the quake was a wonderful thing.

"I personally did not feel the quake, but it is wonderful it happened, for two reasons. The first reason has to do with engineering. Every earthquake releases energy, and if minor quakes occur frequently, the probability for a major quake decreases, and if there is no damage to structures – we benefit," Serna said.

"The energy which has accumulated in the earth's core is released this way, and the greater the seismic activity – more energy is released."

"The second reason is political," Serna continued. "The minor tremor today constitutes a reminder for politicians and the public as a whole that a major earthquake in the future is certain. Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps in a hundred years."

"No one can tell for sure when, but a major earthquake will definitely occur, and it will cause damage to property, financial damages and maybe even claim lives," Serna said.

"The last earthquake in Israel happened in 1927, and destructed Jericho and Safed. Back then not many buildings collapsed, so few people were wounded or killed. But today there are significantly more buildings, which are unprepared for such an event, and so the damage is likely to be much greater."

According to Serna, Israel is simply unprepared for a major quake. "There are several overall plans, but nothing has been actually done. Only the buildings that were constructed after 1995 are prepared for earthquakes, the rest will not endure a major tremor," he added.

"The State must invest in reinforcing hospitals and public buildings that are necessary in emergencies," Serna concluded.