In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck on June 24, the College of Engineers of Venezuela (CIV) has conducted inspections on over 8,000 structures in Caracas. The inspections aim to ascertain the habitability of these buildings, identify critical structural failures, and offer recommendations to local communities and authorities on how to address vulnerabilities, according to a press release from the CIV.

More than 70% of the inspected buildings were deemed habitable, with approximately 25% falling under categories of ‘habitable with caution’ or ‘uninhabitable’. Rafael Argotti, a member of the CIV’s National Board of Directors, noted the involvement of around 6,000 engineers in providing voluntary and free services to reassure the affected population. He emphasized that inspections will persist, particularly in areas with higher population density and older structures within the capital.

The collaborative effort to carry out an estimated 12,000 global inspections includes the CIV, municipalities, universities, the Fire Department, and Civil Protection. This大规模的检查工作是CIV、市政府、大学、消防部门和民防部门共同努力的结果。

The earthquakes, which mainly impacted the northern part of Venezuela, resulted in at least 5,546 deaths, 16,740 injuries, and left 17,907 people homeless, as reported by the Government. The disaster also affected approximately 856 buildings and led to the collapse of 190 structures. The World Bank has estimated the direct physical damage caused by the earthquakes at $19.6 billion, cautioning that a delayed reconstruction process could impede Venezuela’s economic recovery over the next ten years.

Source: telesurenglish.net