11,000 Groningen properties need shoring up against quake damage

Over 11,000 homes and other properties in Groningen province are at risk of collapse if there is a serious earthquake and 1,500 need to be shored up immediately, according to the government office charged with checking for earthquake damage.

The list has been published nine months after the government said it would phase out gas extraction from under the province because of the risk of earthquakes.

However, campaign groups have criticised the list, saying it has been drawn up on the basis of statistical models rather than site inspections. They are demanding that the methodology behind the calculations is made public.

The programme to strengthen the properties is set to take seven years.

Economic affairs minister Eric Wiebes has reached agreement with gas exploration company NAM about the cost of the project.

The ministry will remain responsible for the safety strategy while independent experts will determine which buildings need work. NAM will no longer have any say in deciding what damage needs to be dealt with but will pick up the entire bill, Wiebes told MPs in a briefing on Thursday.