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Strong building codes “spread new Ecuadorian norm” post-earthquake

Strong building codes “spread new Ecuadorian norm” post-earthquake

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“Strong” new building codes are one of the ways that Ecuador is aiming to “build back better”, six months on from an earthquake which killed more than 650 people.

That’s according to Diego Zorilla, the UN Development Programme’s Resident Coordinator in the South American country, which is working with the government to promote new building standards.

More than 1,000 buildings were destroyed by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which struck on 16 April, affecting several coastal provinces in the north.

This weekend, the country’s capital, Quito, hosts the beginning of a landmark UN conference on urbanization, known as Habitat III.

Rocio Franco Riveros asked Mr Zorrilla what the outstanding issues were facing Ecuador, six months on from the deadly tremor.

Duration: 3’42”

Photo Credit
UNICEF/UN018950/Arcos. (file photo)