DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

A report published by N Digital on 18 August 2026 highlights the critical vulnerabilities facing the Dominican Republic in the event of a major seismic event. Despite modern advancements in structural design codes, such as the national seismic design regulations enforced by the Ministry of Housing, Habitats and Edifications (Mivhed), urban planning and structural history present steep challenges.

High-density urban corridors in the Distrito Nacional, Santiago, Santo Domingo Oeste, Los Alcarrizos, and Santo Domingo Este feature informal settlements packed together with narrow access routes, high overcrowding, and little open public space. Experts warn that the core emergency response issue is not merely structural collapse, but whether rescue teams will be physically capable of reaching victims through blocked streets and unmanaged ruins.

The physical threat is amplified...