Venezuelan engineers inspect over 8,000 structures after earthquakes

Over 8,000 structures have been inspected by engineers in Venezuela since the earthquakes on June 24, according to the Venezuelan College of Engineers (CIV). The inspections aim to determine the habitability of buildings, identify critical structural failures, and provide recommendations to local communities and authorities to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Results from the inspections indicate that more than 70% of the buildings assessed are habitable. Around 25% have been classified as requiring "habitability with precaution" or are deemed "uninhabitable." Rafael Argotti, a member of the CIV's National Board of Directors, reported that approximately 6,000 engineers volunteered their services free of charge to provide reassurance to the affected population. Argotti emphasized that inspections will continue in densely populated areas and older structures within the capital.

The CIV, in collaboration with municipal governments, universities, firefighters, and Civil Protection, estimates a total of 12,000 inspections will be conducted. This effort comes one month after a devastating double earthquake primarily struck northern Venezuela. Official figures report at least 5,546 deaths, 16,740 injuries, and 17,907 people left homeless. The disaster also affected 856 buildings, with 190 collapsing entirely.

Adding to the impact, the World Bank estimated the direct physical damage from the earthquakes at $19.6 billion. The institution cautioned that a slow reconstruction process could impede Venezuela's economic recovery over the next decade, highlighting the long-term consequences of the seismic events.

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We have had the presence of about 6,000 colleagues in the affected areas, providing a voluntary and totally free service to give peace of mind to the population.