PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS RESPECT TO INCLUDE SEISMIC MICROZONING STUDIES IN URBAN PLANNING AND CONTROL IN VENEZUELA

Abstract

Seismic micro-zoning is an important tool to reduce seismic risk, if adequately incorporated in urban planning and control. In Venezuela, urban management is a responsibility shared between national and local authorities, who establish regulations which are generally followed by the formal sector. In the case of the informal sector, which represents an important portion of Venezuelan urban areas, homes have been constructed without rules that establish where and how to build. However in this case, national and local urban planning and housing authorities, with the participation of NGOs, have introduced urban improvement plans, in order to incorporate these settlements to the formal city. Seismic vulnerability data and other studies on natural risks have minor consideration and incidence in urban planning and management in Venezuela, due to: the lack of preparation of most professionals in the planning field in this type of criteria, limited funding for seismic studies of vulnerable areas, and the lack of specific regulations and procedures to effectively incorporate results.  In addition, it is necessary to provide the public with proper information than will let them respond effectively. This article briefly describes how urban management is practiced in Venezuela and its main trends, in order to appropriately incorporate seismic microzoning in urban planning and control.