Transformable Shelter: Response to Multi-Hazard Environment of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Uttarakhand is a disaster-prone zone; it faces multiple hazards throughout the year. Thus, the need of providing shelters to victims of such catastrophes becomes a necessity. This study investigates the type of shelters provided to the victims in such emergency conditions. The scope of study is limited to the case of earthquakes and flash floods. The research would proceed through the examination of the current disaster response plan along with the findings of post disaster shelters provided so far in India. The research would follow through: qualitative analysis of living conditions in post disaster shelters; 2–3 case studies; advanced materials and techniques which can be used in a post disaster shelter. The study focuses on the parameters on which a shelter is designed for such catastrophic conditions which can sustain for a long term. This research after exploring the different post disaster shelters provided so far in Uttarakhand, proposes a transformable shelter which can withstand the climatic conditions, and can sustain from immediate response to early recovery phase of a disaster, while addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. This research will hopefully provide a reference for the construction of such post disaster shelters which can save resources.