Historic centers in Saltillo and Oviedo face rising building collapse risks

Authorities in Saltillo, Mexico, have issued alerts regarding the increasing number of buildings at risk of collapse in the city's Historic Center. In 2026, Civil Protection has already identified 81 properties posing potential dangers to residents and pedestrians. This represents an approximately 189 percent increase compared to September 2024, when only 28 properties were flagged. Factors contributing to this decay include abandonment, lack of maintenance, and weather conditions such as heavy rain and strong winds. Officials noted that some properties are uninhabited or owned by individuals no longer residing in the city, complicating repair efforts.

In Oviedo, Spain, the association Oviedo Redondo has expressed indignation over the deteriorating state of the historic district. Following a situation on San Antonio Street that required closing a busy area due to collapse risks, the group warned that the issue is widespread. They cited other historical buildings in Santa Ana Street and the Cathedral Plaza that remain under scaffolding with ongoing conservation problems. The association is calling for urgent administrative action and proposing that the City Council acquire ruined historical buildings for public rehabilitation to revitalize the neighborhood and preserve architectural heritage.