Venezuelan malls pass structural checks after earthquakes

The Venezuelan Chamber of Shopping Centers has reported that the majority of its affiliated establishments have successfully passed structural inspections conducted after recent earthquakes. These assessments, carried out by structural engineers immediately following the tremors on June 24, aimed to verify the safety of the facilities.

Claudia Itriago, the executive director of the chamber, explained in an interview that the evaluations followed the organization's recommendations for ensuring building safety. While most malls are cleared, two, Centro Plaza's towers and Galerías Ávila, are awaiting final reports before they can resume operations. Itriago also noted that the Venezuelan College of Engineers is conducting inspections in other parts of the country.

These structural evaluations are a component of a broader national plan to assess infrastructure safety. This plan was initiated after a significant double earthquake struck the northern regions of Venezuela, particularly affecting the states of La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, and the Capital District. Teams from the Venezuelan College of Engineers and other institutions continue to certify building structures to authorize their functioning.