Recent earthquakes in eastern Cuba have starkly revealed a troubling truth: many buildings in the country are highly vulnerable to even moderate seismic events. This alarming situation extends beyond Granma, affecting other provinces prone to earthquakes, and underscores the urgent need for improved construction quality to ensure structural resilience.
The Need for Compliance with Seismic Codes
Eberto Hernández Suros, a geological engineer and coordinator at the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS) in Granma, pointed out that the deficiencies in many buildings largely stem from violations of Cuba's seismic code, established in 2017. This code outlines the earthquake-resistant features required for all constructions nationwide. However, its frequent noncompliance leaves numerous structures dangerously exposed to seismic activity.
The expert emphasized that beyond adhering to the seismic code, each project must consider quality control, appropriate material use, and adherence to construction standards. Unfortunately, these aspects are often neglected, driven by material shortages, urgent housing needs, and project deadlines, resulting in vulnerable buildings, warned Hernández.
Impact of Unauthorized Structural Modifications
The issue worsens when structurally sound buildings undergo unauthorized modifications that compromise their earthquake resistance. Such changes, made without considering seismic standards, leave buildings—and their occupants—at risk.
In places like Granma, the vulnerability of self-built homes is especially apparent. Resource scarcity leads to the use of substandard materials and construction practices that fail to meet safety standards. Hernández remarked, "People build with whatever is available, seldom as they should." Additionally, constructing elements without proper quality certification further elevates the seismic risk in these areas.
Addressing Structural Weaknesses
In Granma, many vulnerable structures are aged homes, lacking proper maintenance, which makes them particularly susceptible to earthquakes. Additionally, some buildings never underwent quality checks during construction, and inappropriate building systems for seismic zones pose significant risks.
Hernández also raised concerns about the quality certification of materials produced by emerging economic entities. These materials often lack certified quality, increasing seismic vulnerability. The local production of materials is essential, not a whim. He stressed the importance of ensuring safety in all construction efforts to mitigate damage in future seismic events.
Recent Earthquake Aftermath
In light of recent seismic activity in eastern Cuba, Hernández's statements are extremely relevant. As of Thursday, the region has experienced 2,665 aftershocks following Sunday's earthquakes southeast of Pilón, Granma. According to the CENAIS bulletin, 90 of these were likely perceptible.
The main impact of this seismic activity is concentrated in Granma, where at least 3,518 homes have suffered some form of damage. Luis Roja Yero, technical deputy director of the Provincial Housing Directorate in Granma, reported 513 partial collapses, including 54 total structural failures, 38 complete roof collapses, and 313 partial roof collapses.
Pilón has the highest number of affected homes, totaling 830, followed by Campechuela with 759, Bartolomé Masó with 663, Buey Arriba with 445, Media Luna with 337, and Manzanillo with 248 damaged houses. Elsewhere, the number of affected homes is smaller.
Architects and specialists are conducting studies in coastal areas to assess soil feasibility for housing construction and the potential dangers posed by phenomena like the recent earthquakes.
One of the severely affected state buildings was the Juan Vitalio Acuña Basic Secondary School in Pilón, Granma. The school was forced to close due to serious damage from the recent powerful earthquakes that hit the locality on Sunday morning.