[REVISION HISTORY]

Dominican Republic seismic risk and construction safety

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-18 18:28 UTC → 2026-08-18 18:29 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In mid‑July, seismic engineer Claudia Germoso highlighted the Dominican Republic’s exposure to multiple fault zones, warning that a magnitude‑7.5 or larger quake could occur and stressing the need for strict seismic codes and emergency planning. The same briefing mentioned Chile’s review of post‑2010 earthquake building performance, underscoring how construction shortcuts can undermine safety margins. A week later, the Fundación para el Desarrollo y la Cooperación Internacional (FUDEC) convened a public forum where geographers and engineers described the country’s vulnerability across more than 14 fault lines. Participants noted that the national design code dates from 1979 and was only partially updated in 2011, leaving many structures at risk. They urged citizens to improve earthquake education, assess the safety of their homes, and participate in ongoing citizen‑education programs. In August, Minister of Housing, Habitat and Buildings, Víctor Bisonó, addressed the issue of informality in the construction sector, noting that some large-scale projects continue work despite notifications to comply with permits. To mitigate risks, the Ministry (Mivhed) is consulting on a new seismic code, reviewing sanctions for non-compliance, and seeking to strengthen inspection mechanisms. This follows a significant rise in construction activity, with 1,122 licenses granted in the first seven months of the ~~year, representing~~ year—an 85.45% increase over the previous year—representing a private investment of 406,715 million pesos. ~~Additionally, the School Infrastructure Directorate (DIE)~~ Risk management specialist Ervin Vargas has ~~proposed a national plan to evaluate the seismic vulnerability~~ further warned of ~~educational facilities. Director Roberto Herrera Polanco informed President Luis Abinader~~ specific vulnerabilities regarding the Septentrional Fault, which traverses the Cibao Valley. Experts noted that ~~schools built before 2012 may not meet current anti-seismic protocols. The initiative involves contracting 10 companies to work with~~ high-density urban environments in the National ~~Office for Seismic Evaluation and Vulnerability of Infrastructure~~ District, Santiago, and ~~Buildings (Onesvie), noting that 57 schools have already been decommissioned due to structural flaws like the ‘short column’ defect.~~ Santo Domingo could complicate rescue efforts, as homes built near ravines or in close proximity on soft terrain may obstruct emergency access during a major event.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.