Santo Domingo.- The recent earthquakes recorded in countries in the region have once again brought the seismic vulnerability of the Dominican Republic to the table, in light of which citizens consulted expressed concern and doubts about whether the country is truly prepared to face a large-magnitude seismic movement.
When asked about the Dominican Republic’s responsiveness to an earthquake like those that recently occurred in Venezuela and Colombia, some citizens pointed to the conditions of buildings, streets, and construction supervision as factors that could increase risks.
One of the interviewees was categorical in considering that the country is not prepared to face an event of that magnitude and questioned the way in which some buildings are constructed.
“A quake like that is coming, not a single building will be left standing after that,” stated the citizen, who added that many constructions are carried out by prioritizing economic costs over other aspects.
Along the same lines, Marlis expressed concern about the conditions of some of the country’s infrastructure and maintained that there are structures and streets that, in her opinion, could pose a risk in the event of an earthquake.
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“I don’t think so, because there is a lot of bad structure, there are many streets that are broken and a lot of poor construction that they do here,” he/she expressed.
The young woman also said that the possibility of a major earthquake occurring in Dominican territory does cause her concern, due to the consequences it could cause for the population.
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“Of course we are worried, because all Dominicans are going to suffer,” stated Marlis.
However, despite the fear, the citizen considered that the Dominican Republic could recover from a disaster of this nature with the support of other nations, taking into account that the country has also collaborated with other peoples in times of difficulty.
“Perhaps yes, because perhaps other countries will help us as we have helped other countries,” he maintained.
Another citizen was even more pessimistic when assessing the country’s possibilities in the face of a high-magnitude earthquake and asserted that the Dominican Republic would not be prepared to face its consequences.
“This country is not prepared for that,” he stated, before warning about the impact that an event of this nature could have.
“An earthquake happens here and, given the current situation, we would all die,” expressed the interviewee, who also acknowledged that he is worried that a major seismic movement could occur in the country.
One of the testimonies pointed directly to the need to strengthen construction regulation and oversight mechanisms.
Julio César Rodríguez considered that part of the vulnerability is related to the construction system and the responsibility of the institutions in charge of supervising the works.
“They are still using an obsolete system and are not modernizing the construction system,” he maintained.
Rodríguez also pointed out that the State has a fundamental role in prevention, considering it necessary to have greater regulation of the works being built in the national territory.
“The State itself has many flaws in that matter, because it has to regulate all the things that are going to be done regarding the construction of the country,” he stated.
The citizen also mentioned the city councils and the Ministry of Public Works as part of the institutions that, in his opinion, should have an active participation in the supervision of construction projects.
He stated that the infrastructure must be modernized taking into account the seismic risk and questioned that, from his perspective, there are still deficiencies in oversight.
“Construction does not have the supervision it should have yet. Many things are missing,” indicated Rodríguez.
Faced with the possibility of a major earthquake occurring, the citizen concluded with an expression that summarizes the fear of some of those consulted: “Unfortunately, may God help us.”
Other interviewees, on the other hand, appealed to faith when questioned about the possibility of a major earthquake impacting the country, pointing out that, if it is an event that must happen, it would make no sense to live in constant worry.
Citizens’ concerns arise following recent seismic events recorded in different parts of the region, which have once again drawn attention to the need to strengthen prevention and preparedness for earthquakes.
