Consideraciones sobre la vulnerabilidad en zonas urbanas de Puerto Rico ante la ocurrencia de eventos geológicos

Abstract

Geological events in the Caribbean have affected populations through history. Phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides are examples of geological events that have caused human and economic losses to the Caribbean countries. All populations in the Caribbean may be potentially affected, but urban areas are highlighted in this article due to their population density, concentration of infrastructure and frequent location in coastal areas. This reflection exercise presents the situation of geological risk for Puerto Rico and the vulnerability of its urban areas toward this risk. It is also reason about the current conditions on the island of Puerto Rico in geological risk management. The reflection closes with recommendations that could put the inhabitants of urban areas of the island in a less vulnerable position toward geological risks.