Santiago, Dominican Republic, initiates seismic preparedness strategy

Authorities in Santiago, Dominican Republic, have launched the “Santiago Alerta 2026: Protocolos Sanitarios y Gestión Antisísmica” initiative to coordinate inter-institutional responses to potential large-scale earthquakes. Led by Senator Daniel Rivera, the program involves 23 institutions focused on prevention, security, health, and emergency management to address vulnerabilities posed by the Septentrional Fault.

Key concerns raised during technical meetings include the structural integrity of buildings, the capacity of hospitals to handle mass casualties, and the limitations of private insurance coverage. Officials emphasized the need for preparedness that accounts for emergencies occurring at any time, including late-night hours when mobilization is most difficult.

In a separate localized emergency, the municipal district of Pedro García in Santiago is facing immediate risks due to road instability. Approximately 31 homes are at risk of collapse, prompting the local government to close a section of road and implement a detour to prevent further ground deterioration. Local authorities are calling for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Public Works to stabilize the terrain and protect residents from potential landslides exacerbated by rainfall.