Experts from the fields of structural engineering, disaster risk management and insurance gathered in Santo Domingo to discuss ways to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s resilience against future earthquakes, highlighting the need for safer construction practices and greater preparedness.
The forum, titled “Seismic Vulnerability and Structural Safety in the Dominican Republic,” was organized by the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC) with support from MARSH and MAPFRE. The event brought together academics, insurance professionals and infrastructure specialists to examine the country’s seismic risks and explore strategies for protecting lives and critical infrastructure, at a time when only 5% of homes in the Dominican Republic are insured against earthquakes.
Building Safety Takes Center Stage
INTEC specialists Luis Abbott and Dr. Claudia Germoso stressed the importance of assessing structural vulnerability, implementing earthquake-resistant engineering practices and ensuring strict compliance with building codes.
They noted that properly designed and maintained structures play a critical role in reducing damage during earthquakes, helping to protect both residents and essential public services.
Prevention and Research Identified as Priorities
Participants agreed that improving earthquake preparedness requires a combination of scientific research, technical training and long-term investment in resilient infrastructure. They also emphasized the value of strengthening cooperation among academic institutions, the private sector and public agencies responsible for disaster risk management.
The discussion highlighted that proactive planning and prevention are key to minimizing the human and economic impact of future seismic events in a country located within an active tectonic region.
Supporting Long-Term Resilience
The forum is part of INTEC’s broader efforts to advance disaster risk reduction through research, education and institutional collaboration. Organizers said initiatives of this kind help promote a culture of prevention while supporting sustainable development and improving the country’s capacity to respond to natural hazards.