Guatemala

In the area you have selected (Guatemala) earthquake hazard is classified as high according to the information that is currently available. This means that there is more than a 20% chance of potentially-damaging earthquake shaking in your project area in the next 50 years. Based on this information, the impact of earthquake must be considered in all phases of the project, in particular during design and construction. Project planning decisions, project design, and construction methods should take into account the level of earthquake hazard. Further detailed information should be obtained to adequately account for the level of hazard.

Recommendations

  • EARTHQUAKE HISTORY AND HAZARD: Get information about major earthquakes and secondary hazards (fires, landslides, liquefaction, tsunami in coastal areas) that have affected the project area in the past and the effects these caused. Community memory and historical accounts of earthquakes can provide useful information to supplement scientific studies. Contact the governmental organisations (e.g. Ministry of Environment and Geological Survey/ Ministry of Earth Sciences) responsible for earthquake risk management in the project country to obtain more detailed information on the potential earthquake hazard. More information
  • LOCAL BUILDING REGULATIONS: Find out if the local building regulations provide for earthquake protection. To do this, engage the local engineering community, especially those serving with the local government or consult external experts. If regulations do include earthquake protection, comply with the regulations with respect to planning, design and construction, including typology of construction, and materials of appropriate quality suitable for use in areas of low seismic hazard. If they do not, consider adopting and complying with standards from other low earthquake hazard areas. More information
  • INTERACTING HAZARDS: Determine whether the project site is likely to be affected by ground failure or other site hazards during an earthquake. Soil investigations should be conducted by a geotechnical engineer to determine physical properties of the soil including its liquefaction potential, the stability of natural slopes and other considerations for design. Select a project location with minimal site hazards if possible. Ensure that the proposed project is not built on or near active earthquake faults. More information
  • TECHNICAL EXPERTISE: Engage qualified and experienced local (or international) technical professionals: structural and geotechnical earthquake engineers, and geologists specializing in hazards. Ensure that design and implementation of all project activities, including infrastructure construction and improvements, provide for earthquake protection and comply with local and/or international building standards. More information
  • DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS: Set design standards for each building based on the criticality of the functions it shall serve and the building standards applicable in the area. Determine the performance requirements of each structure in the project and design accordingly. For the most vital buildings or infrastructure in the project, higher design standards may be necessary. More information
  • UTILITIES AND ACCESS: Earthquakes could interrupt the availability and function of off-site utility services such as electricity, water supply, communications, sanitation, as well as access to transportation. Determine potential impacts and provide sufficient on-site back-up and seismic protection of critical utilities. Consider the effects of an earthquake on access to buildings, especially critical buildings (e.g. hospitals) that must be operational immediately following an earthquake. More information
  • BUILDING CONTENTS AND FALLING HAZARDS MITIGATION: Consider the disruption and damage that an earthquake may cause to buildings and interiors, including windows, doors, furnishings, suspended ceilings and equipment. Design building exteriors so that objects cannot fall on people, especially at exits. Mitigate these hazards during construction to prevent injuries and blockage of exits during earthquakes, and to safeguard essential contents such as medical equipment, sensitive data, or cultural artifacts. More information
  • EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Incorporate emergency contingencies in the buildings’ planning and construction, such as well-located emergency exits, fire extinguishers and clear signs to facilitate safe evacuation in the event of crisis. Critical facilities (such as hospitals or emergency operations centers), or projects that provide backup for critical facilities should remain functional after an earthquake. A clear emergency management plan should be drafted and practiced to prepare staff of those buildings for crisis mitigation. More information
  • INSURANCE: Consider purchasing earthquake insurance to cover potential losses to the project. While insurance does not prevent injuries or deaths, or save communities, it can reduce financial losses and enable a project or facility to recover from the effects of an earthquake and regain its function more quickly. More information
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