Emergent Issues and Vulnerability Factors in Temporary and Intermediate Shelters following the 2015 Nepal Earthquake

Abstract

The 25 April 7.8 magnitude Gorkha earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, including the 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Dolakha, severely damaged or destroyed nearly 900,000 buildings and approximately 2.3 million people continue to be displaced. We conducted 284 household surveys in 177 shelter sites spanning 27 Municipalities/VDCs and 7 districts. The aim of the survey was to analyze the shelter response situation in both urban and rural areas with a view on emerging factors influencing the decision processes of displaced households seeking shelter and temporary housing. It was found that in-place sheltering close to damaged homes was favored by many residents in both urban and rural areas as many preferred to stay close to their homes, food reserves, livelihoods and social ties. The experience from this event shows that spontaneous sheltering behavior and participatory management of these sites should be accommodated and supported in the shelter response strategy.

Spatial Analysis of Unmet Disaster Needs for Housing and Food: A Case Study of Floods in Texas, U.S

“…People are encouraged to collect food, water, flashlights, and other emergency items to survive a disaster, even if they plan to evacuate. For example, after the Ghorka earthquake in 2015, common obstacles included a lack of protection from high temperatures and an inability to access services and aid related to sanitation, water, and food (Khazai et al 2016). According to Jordan (2015), food, water, and shelter are on the lowest level of the six hierarchical needs for disaster survivors, followed by safety, the support of family/friends, stress reactions, grief/loss, and assimilation/accommodation.…”