El Caribe newspaper reports that in 2000 the Instituto Seismological Institute at the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, the state university, registered 78 earthquakes, between 2 and 4.5 on the Ritcher scale. University equipment registered eight hurricanes of more than 4 on the Ritcher Scale. Thirty-four registered 3-3.5 on the scale. Most of these earthquakes have not been felt by the population. Juan Payero, head of the department, said that there is the possibility that a Ritcher Scale 6 earthquake will affect the DR any day now. Santiago is the largest city at most risk of earthquakes. A major regional fault runs diagonally from Samaná through Monte Cristi, on the northwestern coast. Another fault runs along the central valley of La Vega, Bonao included. Another runs through the southwest, crossing through Bahoruco province. A fourth runs several hundred miles below the southeastern coast of the DR. Payero confirmed the belief that every 50 years a major earthquake (of more than 6 on the Ritcher Scale) could affect the DR. The last major earthquake to shake the country occurred in 1946. Payero said that at the end of October several earthquakes of 6 intensity have shaken the area of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. He said that adding to this the effect of the El Salvador quake, one would think that a Ritcher 6 earthquake is imminent. "It is not a matter of alarming the people, rather that prevention measures be taken, starting by builders respecting the seismic codes," he said. He said that one thing is what the plans indicate, and another is what the builders actually construct. The newspaper says that preventive measures include: Reinforcing weak areas of the dwelling. Relocating heavy objects taking in consideration they could fall. Having available fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Avoiding the use of glass-containing furniture. Having a whistle on hand to aid in locating victims. During an earthquake it is most important to stay calm. Normally, it is better to stay inside a building, than to run outside. Recommendations for when an earthquake occurs are: Do not stand on balconies. Do not use elevators. Stay away from electric cables. Recommendations for after an earthquake: Turn off electricity circuits, water and gas. If you are trapped, use sound or visual signals so that your presence is known. Residents are advised to revise the structure of the building to ensure that permanence in the dwelling does not offer any danger.
