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Architecture & Engineering


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June 30, 2026

Older buildings and substandard construction left Venezuela vulnerable to earthquakes

  • Engineers and other experts said the back-to-back earthquakes were among the most intense to hit the country in more than a century.
    • By GARANCE BURKE, MICHAEL BIESECKER and BYRON TAU
    Associated Press

    Older buildings, substandard construction and geography left many neighborhoods in Venezuela vulnerable to strong earthquakes like the ones that struck the country last week.

    Engineers and other experts said the back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday were among the most intense to hit the country in more than a century, leveling buildings and leaving more than 900 dead with the number expected to rise. Videos and satellite imagery from the disaster zone reviewed by The Associated Press reveal scores of multistory buildings had collapsed.


     
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