He warns that not all buildings in the country can withstand earthquakes.

Experts in the Dominican Republic have cautioned that the national building stock is not fully prepared to withstand high-intensity earthquakes. While the country maintains technical standards for seismic-resistant design and construction, there is no guarantee that all existing structures meet these safety requirements despite the increasing trend of vertical construction in the Gran Santo Domingo area and other provinces.

Regulatory oversight and the permitting process are being highlighted as critical mechanisms to ensure structural viability. Authorities and industry observers emphasize that these approvals serve as essential safeguards rather than mere bureaucratic requirements, as the nation remains geographically vulnerable to seismic activity. Ensuring compliance with building codes is considered a necessary step to mitigate potential risks associated with future earthquakes.