Prefabs as a shelter solution in the northern areas of Pakistan affected by October 08, 2005 earthquake

Abstract

Earthquake is a natural disaster. Ill- designed and poor seismic resistance housing was the major cause of high death toll and severe destruction of physical infrastructure by the October 08, 2005 earthquake. After occurrence of this natural calamity, prefab were installed as a shelter solution in the Red Zone area of Balakot. Although prefabs are an established solution of shelter for earthquake affected areas, this solution needs a complete knowledge of social life and cultural values, as well as climatic features of the areas concerned. It is noted that most people in the Balakot Red Zone are not satisfied with these prefabs. A number of factors were found to be responsible for this: low quality of material used; non-professional and unskilled workmanship; unnecessary interference by the local government; minimum community participation; lack of security; cultural adaptability; climatic suitability.