Israel to strengthen buildings in high-risk cities for fear of deadly earthquake

JERUSALEM, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Buildings in Israeli cities near the Great Rift Valley will be strengthened for fear of serious earthquakes, as part of a plan unveiled on Saturday by the Construction and Housing Ministry.

The Great Rift Valley crosses Israel in its eastern part, where deadly earthquakes hitted in 1837 and 1927, leaving thousands of casualties. Lately, earthquakes occurred in this area, causing no injuries or damage.

According to the plan, buildings will be strengthened in the northern cities located on the Red Sea coast in southern Israel.

At the same time, Israel's Ministries of Finance and Defense are promoting a plan to strengthen old public housing in the north of Israel.