Civil engineering expert available to discuss structural collapses in deadly Venezuela earthquakes

Chelsea Seeber

1 Jul 2026

seismograph — The recent deadly earthquakes in La Guaria, Venezuela registered as a 7.5 in magnitude. Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock.

As recovery efforts continue following a catastrophic 7.5 magnitude earthquake, Virginia Tech civil engineering expert Roberto Leon provides context on why some buildings collapsed, how soil conditions can exacerbate earthquake damage, and what we can learn from natural disasters like this to improve building design.

Building infrastructure and safety

Preliminary observations suggest that some failures may be due to insufficient reinforcement, construction quality, and the sheer age of some of the buildings in La Guaira. However, “significant structural damage can be expected when earthquake shaking reaches or exceeds design levels,” Leon said. “Many of the building failures may have been amplified due to poor soil conditions, which can increase ground motion and stress on structures.”

The Charles E. Via Jr. Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering added that events like this, while unfortunate, provide critical data to engineers. “What we learn from this event can help improve future building codes, including the growing emphasis on ‘functional recovery,’ which aims to ensure buildings remain usable after major earthquakes,” he said.

Preparation is key

Leon noted that being prepared for disasters before they happen is the best way to protect yourself. Supporting efforts to “evaluate and strengthen existing structures can increase your community’s resilience against all kinds of natural disasters,” he said. “There are apps that will warn you of incoming earthquake waves if the epicenter is fairly far away. Install one of those; it is just like having a weather alert and they have proven to work in places like Japan and Mexico recently.”

About Leon

Roberto Leon is the Via Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering. His research centers on structural engineering and materials. Leon’s areas of interest include behavior and design of steel and composite connections, seismic design of frames with partially restrained connections, seismic behavior of bridges, serviceability of composite floors, and high performance materials.