RETROSPECTIVE OF “16 A” EARTHQUAKE

On 16 April 2016, Ecuador suffered the most devastating natural phenomena of the
century, which was named “16A” earthquake. As a result of the seism, there were huge
economic losses and hundreds of deaths. For this reason, trying to set the main causes that
generated multiple losses is essential in order to be prepared for future similar events. Even
after four years the effects are notorious. However, it’s important to identify lessons learned.

The telluric movement, which had its epicenter in Pedernales, province of Manabí,
took the lives of 673 people and left more than 6274 injured. Furthermore, economic losses
reached the amount of 3.000 million dollars including collapsed buildings and damaged
infrastructure. On the other hand, one of the most influential cause of the disaster is the
location of Ecuador which finds in a high seismic risk region produced by continuous
movement of tectonic plates. In addition, investigations have found that most of collapsed
buildings had deficiencies and pathologies related to materials and construction processes.

In spite of severe magnitude of the earthquake, government and population had to get
ahead by hard work and constancy. Nevertheless, in Portoviejo where there was the greatest
damage, the aftermaths are still notorious. For instance, in some properties intended for
lodging are visible debris from structures collapse. Above all, “16A” quake have left relevant
lessons that should be taken into account such as lack of control to informal constructions and
the use of poor-quality materials to build.

In conclusion, “16 A” quake was the most destructive event of the century in Ecuador,
which was affected socially and economically. The major causes of the losses are the high
seismic risk in Ecuador and pathologies from buildings. Apart from debris, the seism left
lessons about the reality of the country that explain the reason of the disaster.

GALO RODRIGO