Onesvie: 10 out of every 100 buildings may require seismic evaluation

Santo Domingo.- The National Office of Seismic Evaluation and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (Onesvie) estimates that 10 out of every 100 buildings in the Dominican Republic may require a seismic evaluation, according to its director, Leonardo Reyes Madera.

Reyes Madera said the country has gone about 80 years since the last major earthquake, which occurred in 1946, while continuing to build infrastructure that could be vulnerable to seismic activity. He stressed that even buildings constructed under newer seismic codes should be reviewed to determine their level of vulnerability.

Onesvie has begun evaluating approximately 1,100 public and private buildings to identify potential risks and support preventive measures. About 850 have already been assessed, beginning in the Naco area of the National District.

The agency has also conducted surveys in Ensanche Naco and the entire Quisqueya sector, documenting buildings according to their number of floors, structural systems and uses. Evaluations are also underway in Piantini, where about 30% of buildings have been surveyed.

Reyes Madera emphasized that earthquake risks must be considered in the structural design and analysis of all buildings, regardless of their size. Onesvie plans to continue its assessments sector by sector to identify vulnerabilities and help authorities establish priorities for future interventions.