Venezuela's Infrastructure Habitability Commission Evaluates 40,000 Buildings After June Earthquakes

The Presidential Commission for the Evaluation of Infrastructure Habitability, headed by engineer Francisco Garcés, has completed rapid damage assessments on 39,787 structures nationwide following the twin earthquakes of 24 June. Inspections were classified using a traffic‑light system: 57% of buildings were deemed Green (habitable, minor damage), 23% Yellow (restricted use, moderate damage) and 20% Red (severe damage). A team of 2,900 specialized inspectors carried out the work, with the Caracas mayor Carmen Meléndez reporting 16,605 inspections in the capital alone.

In a separate meeting, Garcés engaged representatives from the private construction sector, including Fedecámaras president Felipe Capozzolo, the Venezuelan Chamber of Construction, the National Academy of Engineering and Habitat, the College of Architects, and the Fondonorma quality‑certification fund. The participants pledged proposals and projects to support the reconstruction effort and were invited to join the commission’s Technical Committee of Professionals for ongoing recovery actions.