The risk mitigation and reconstruction plan implemented in La Guaira after the double earthquake of June 24th added a new phase this Friday with the controlled implosion of the Arrecife Residences, on the Botanical Garden Avenue in the Tanaguarena sector of the Caraballeda parish, raising to six the number of buildings demolished for representing a danger to the population.
The 10-story structure, severely damaged by earthquakes, was demolished in a special operation led by Major General Juan Sulbarán Quintero, commander of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), along with specialists from the Directorate of Armament and Explosives (Daex), the Ministry of the Interior and Justice, and state security agencies.
The demolition also marks the third consecutive implosion carried out in Tanaguarena during the last three weeks, consolidating this sector as one of the main fronts of action within the recovery and sanitation plan for areas affected by the seismic emergency.
Before the Arrecife Residences, the Newport and San Jorge residences, buildings with irreversible structural damage, were demolished in the same area. The other three implosions carried out in the state took place in Playa Grande, Urimare parish, as part of the schedule designed by the authorities to eliminate high-risk buildings.
From early morning, a comprehensive security operation was activated, including the preventive evacuation of nearby areas, the establishment of security perimeters, and the deployment of personnel from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, the Bolivarian National Police, the Fire Department, and Civil Protection, in order to guarantee the safety of residents and workers during the operation. Similar procedures have accompanied the demolitions carried out in previous weeks in Tanaguarena.
Authorities have reported that this phase is part of a program that includes the controlled demolition of 35 buildings classified as high-risk following structural assessments conducted after the earthquake. The goal is to reduce threats to the population and advance urban recovery efforts in the most affected areas.
In the town of Naiguatá, located about 15 minutes from Tanaguarenas, there is a building called El Mónaco. This building, which has about 10 floors, should have restricted access to both the building and its surroundings, as it shows severe structural damage. We urge the authorities to limit pedestrian access on the sidewalk in front of this building.