Quito faces high seismic risk due to informal construction

Urban expansion in Quito and throughout Ecuador is facing significant challenges due to high seismic activity. According to the Cámara de la Industria de la Construcción (CAMICON), approximately 70% of buildings in the capital are constructed under informal conditions.

Technical studies warn that up to 45% of these informal structures could collapse during a high-intensity earthquake. To mitigate this risk, experts emphasize that formal large-scale projects must move beyond mere regulatory compliance. Necessary measures include detailed soil analysis, specialized foundation systems, structural engineering designed to allow deformation without collapse, and the integration of energy dissipation systems to absorb seismic impact.