SANTO DOMINGO.– A technical commission from the National Office of Seismic Evaluation and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (Onesvie) began on Tuesday the evaluation of the buildings that were affected by the explosion in San Cristóbal, where so far four have been reported destroyed and nine affected.
In a press release, the agency indicated that, according to unofficial reports, more than 15 homes in the area of the incident have suffered damage of varying magnitude due to the effects of the explosion, although this number may change as technical assessments on the ground progress.
Onesvie explained that the main objective of these inspections is to accurately determine the structural and functional impacts on each of the affected buildings, in order to establish an appropriate and efficient intervention plan.
"These results will be consolidated in a detailed technical report, which will serve as an essential tool for the authorities in decision-making and the allocation of resources for humanitarian and reconstruction actions," the institution states.
The Onesvie team of specialists in charge of this assessment is made up of professionals with experience in managing emergency and disaster situations, who were present at the 2018 explosion at the PolyPlas factory in Villas Agrícolas and, more recently, the collapse of the Multimuebles store in La Vega.
Figures
The official figures as of Tuesday afternoon regarding the explosion that occurred Monday afternoon in San Cristóbal are 11 dead, 59 injured, 11 missing persons, 33 transferred to different hospitals in the country, four buildings destroyed and nine affected.
According to data provided by the general director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), Juan Manuel Méndez, two people have been airlifted, while 506 people have been involved.
Regarding the rescue teams, the COE director indicated that three helicopters, three rescue trucks, 33 ambulances and nine tanker trucks are working at the scene.
Abinader cancels speech
The speech that President Luis Abinader was scheduled to deliver tomorrow, Wednesday, August 16, from the province of Pedernales, was suspended by the president due to the tragedy that occurred in San Cristóbal.
"Given the seriousness of the event and as a sign of respect and support for those affected, the decision has been made to suspend the speech that President Luis Abinader had scheduled for August 16 in the province of Pedernales," a statement from the Presidency reported.
He explained that, instead, President Abinader will attend and participate in a mass in honor of the victims, which will take place at the Our Lady of Consolation Cathedral in San Cristóbal, at 9:00 a.m., as well as a working meeting at the governor's office to define actions.
