Earthquakes and Natural Disasters

15POSTS

8 years ago

Hello! I was wondering how often have you guys experienced earthquakes in the Dominican Republic? And how strong and dangerous have they been? Are most buildings anti-seismic (or earthquake-proof)? If not, which ones are most likely to be? What about Hurricanes? What other natural disasters should we be worried about? We're moving to Punta Cana in December. I'm a survivor of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake and because of my PTSD I will only be able to live in a house/ condo where I know I will be safe if a major quake were to happen.
Thanks in advance for the responses!

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planner Dominican Republic Expert

17773POSTS

8 years ago

Almost nothing is seismically built. Earthquakes we get all the time but small ones.

Much more likely to get a hurricNe then a major earthquake.

Punta cana and the south and east coast are higher likelihood areas.

The north coast is least likely to get a major storm.

Camie127 Member

15POSTS

8 years ago

Ok I see thank you for replying. it's too bad that buildings aren't made to withstand major earthquakes cause the whole island is on top of active fault lines...

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17773POSTS

8 years ago

When most were built there were no guidelines.聽 New buildings and hotels maybe. But regs here wont be what you are used to.

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

8 years ago

Even if there were regulations the builders would not adhere to them if more expensive or time consuming.

Bob K

Camie127 Member

15POSTS

8 years ago

Yes that's true. The sad reality is that it will actually cost a lot more if constructions crumble and they have to rebuild. But I guess we're inherently short-term thinkers.

the tinker40 ViP

1236POSTS

8 years ago

Because most of the island is sedimentary rock the force is distributed more evenly.聽 The pressure is relieved by hundreds of tiny tremors rather than enormous pressure聽 being built up.聽 Though in 2002 we did have a 6. something.聽 However the damage was minimal for聽 one that strong.聽 In fact, it threw me out of bed.聽 The North shore has not had a direct hit by a hurricane since the late 1960's. A little "Tormenta" can liven things up.聽 I do suggest keeping a watch on "Irma". We might get some heavy winds & rain.聽 Sleep well, it ain't here yet!

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Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

8 years ago

Thankfully it looks like Irma will pass well to our north.

Bob K

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17773POSTS

8 years ago

Fingers crossed.

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

8 years ago

#10

Still looking north but a bit closer.

Bob K

abreuimmigration Contributor

181POSTS

8 years ago

#11

Current law dictates that no newly constructed property will have a title granted unless it passes several inspections including a seismic test done on cylindrical sections cut from the house or condo. These measures have been put it place for decades and were strengthened after the Haiti earthquake.

Most properties are hurricane proof as well since they are built from concrete blocks.

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