EARTHQUAKE AFTERSHOCKS AND DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 005330

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CAR MCISAAC, CA/OCS/ACS/WHA HALDANE,
OBO/PE/DE/CSB DAI OH & HAO BUI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV SOCI EAIR EWWT CASC DR
SUBJECT: EARTHQUAKE AFTERSHOCKS AND DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

REF: SANTO DOMINGO 5118


1. Aftershocks from the earthquake that hit the Dominican
Republic on September 22 (reftel) continue to be felt in the
northern region of the country. More than 200 aftershocks
have been reported, measuring up to 5.1 on the Richter Scale.
The original quake and the aftershocks have produced damage
estimates ranging from RD $500 to 700 million (US $16.7 to
23.4 million). Thus far, President Mejia has designated RD
$100 million (US$3.3 million) for rebuilding in the Puerto
Plata area, RD $50 million (US$1.6 million) of which will go
to reconstruction efforts for the GODR Justice Building and
the regional campus of the Autonomous University of Santo
Domingo.


2. Damages were greatest in the northern and central cities
of Puerto Plata and Santiago. More than 120 buildings were
damaged in Puerto Plata, including 44 public schools, 4
hospitals and 4 government offices. In Santiago, 103
building showed structural damage, including 10 government
offices, 6 public schools and 1 hospital. Media reports
indicate that anywhere from 10,000 to 18,000 Dominican
children are temporarily unable to attend school due to
damaged buildings or buildings that have not yet been cleared
for occupancy. The GODR is considering the use of tents as
temporary classrooms.


3. Despite the structural damage and the severity of the
earthquake, injuries were minimal with fewer than 50 people
seeking treatment. The GODR is attributing three deaths to
the quake, one from fatal injuries received in the collapse
of a boarding house and two from heart attacks. There were
no Amcit injuries or deaths as a consequence of the
earthquake or its aftershocks.
KUBISKE