Caracas structures inspected after earthquakes; over 70% habitable

Following a series of earthquakes, engineers in Caracas have inspected over 8,000 structures to assess their habitability and identify critical flaws. The Colegio de Ingenieros de Venezuela (CIV) reported that more than 70% of these buildings are safe for occupation, while approximately 25% require cautious use or are considered uninhabitable.

Rafael Argotti, a member of the CIV's National Board of Directors, stated that around 6,000 engineers have voluntarily provided their services free of charge to reassure the public. He emphasized that inspections will continue in densely populated areas and those with older structures within the capital.

The CIV, in collaboration with municipal governments, universities, the Fire Department, and Civil Protection, aims to conduct a total of 12,000 inspections. This effort comes a month after a devastating double earthquake struck northern Venezuela, causing at least 5,546 deaths, 16,740 injuries, and leaving 17,907 people homeless. The disaster also affected 856 buildings, with 190 collapsing.

The World Bank estimated the direct physical damage from the earthquakes at $19.6 billion. The institution warned that a slow reconstruction process could hinder Venezuela's economic recovery for the next decade, suggesting a public-private partnership for rebuilding.