Venezuelan engineers boost building damage assessment in Caracas after earthquakes

Engineers in Venezuela are stepping up their evaluation of structural damage in Caracas after a series of earthquakes rattled the capital on June 24. The Venezuelan College of Engineers (CIV) convened over the weekend to enhance technical assessments of affected buildings and coordinate the work of volunteer brigades.

During the meeting, CIV President Enzo Betancourt emphasized the organization's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in technical support during the ongoing contingency. Jesús Vásquez, a member of the CIV's Technical Evaluation Commission for Structures, detailed the deployment logistics. He highlighted the coordination among over 200 brigade leaders responsible for inspections across Caracas, stressing the importance of maintaining constant communication among volunteer engineers to ensure efficient operations and address any emerging doubts.

Brigade leaders will directly notify Civil Protection upon completing inspections in specific zones. This streamlined process aims to facilitate the proper tagging of risk levels and prevent redundant work. The current focus remains on the Caracas Metropolitan Area due to its high population density and the extent of the damage.

The CIV also clarified the meaning of the "red tag" designation. Contrary to potential assumptions, a red tag does not automatically signify a demolition order. Instead, it serves as a preventive warning alerting to dangerous conditions and recommending evacuation. Specialist engineers and pathologists will conduct thorough analyses of affected structures before any final decisions are made. Buildings with repairable damage may later be reclassified with yellow or green tags.