Santo Domingo, Aug 29 (Prensa Latina) Scientists from Cuba and the Dominican Republic are studying the possible effects of earthquakes in Puerto Plata, a province of high seismic risk in this country, it was reported here today.
According to Metro newspaper, the National Geological Survey (SGN) of the Dominican Republic and the National Seismic Research Center (CENAIS) in Cuba, began the study in Puerto Plata, for being that territory the place where two of the most significant earthquakes occurred.
The tremors occurred on September 22, 2003 with 6.5 degree on the Richter scale and the other of eight degrees in 1946. Both caused extensive damage.
The aforementioned Dominican province, located in the northwest of the country, is an area where there are several active geological faults, among them Camu and Rio Grande, important sources of earthquakes.
SGN director, Santiago Muñoz, explained that the main objective of the research is to determine the effect of a seism in the urban district of Puerto Plata, with emphasis on the oldest buildings and those measures necessary to respond in case of disasters.
The research will also provide elements for the drawing up of geological and soil maps for the entire study area when considering the analogies in the geotechnical characteristics of this region.
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