Colombian expert links irresponsible city growth to severe earthquake damage

Cities in Colombia are growing in an "irresponsible" manner, significantly amplifying the damage caused by earthquakes, according to civil engineer and academic Gonzalo Duque Escobar. He argues that the perceived increase in seismic activity is not due to more frequent tremors, but rather to urban expansion that disregards safety recommendations.

Duque Escobar, affiliated with the National University of Colombia, explained that the consequences of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake are magnified because cities are expanding vertically without adequate consideration for seismic resistance. This is particularly evident in the collapse of multi-story buildings, which results in more casualties compared to widespread damage in single-story housing areas.

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There are people who believe that it is shaking more, but it is not like that: cities are simply growing irresponsibly, and it is not that we have more earthquakes, but rather much larger disasters, with a greater level of damage and impact on society, the economy and the environment.

"There are people who believe that it is shaking more, but it is not like that: cities are simply growing irresponsibly, and it is not that we have more earthquakes, but rather much larger disasters, with a greater level of damage and impact on society, the economy and the environment," Duque Escobar stated in an interview.

His remarks highlight a critical issue in urban development, where rapid growth often outpaces the implementation of robust building codes and safety measures. The expert's warning underscores the urgent need for responsible urban planning to mitigate the devastating effects of natural disasters like earthquakes.

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Cities grow in height, and without taking into account the recommendations of seismic resistance. Then, the collapses of multi-story buildings bring more victims than generalized damage in a single-story housing development.