Pakistan earthquake.

Last October, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the region surrounding Kashmir, in northern Pakistan. Three major cities were completely destroyed: Muzaffarabad, Mansehra, Balakot and hundreds of villages are still unreachable by rescue teams. At the time of writing, the death toll stands at 86 000, with over 70 000 injured. An estimated 3.3 million have lost their homes and 500 000 are still without shelter.

Aid agencies have expressed concerns that the lack of treatment for those injured, combined with a shortage of water and sanitation facilities, will lead to increased fatalities. The affected area is mountainous, difficult to reach, and currently enduring a harsh, freezing winter. There is a need not only for immediate relief and recovery, but also for the transitional and long term shelter of those displaced. The danger is that while some dwellings may be able to provide shelter in the short-term, they are actually structurally unsound, putting people at risk if another earthquake should hit the region. By distributing knowledge of earthquake resistant construction, houses can be rebuilt more safely, potentially saving lives in future.

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The US-based organisation Architecture For Humanity is seeking ideas for earthquake resistant housing schemes that will also help empower communities in the long-term reconstruction effort. Teams have until 20 January to devise appropriate proposals that utilise local materials and technology. Selected schemes will be developed in pictorial form and assembled into free manuals. These will be given to international, local and government agencies for distribution in affected communities. Working with Arup engineers, AFH also aims to compile sets of guidelines for rebuilding in earthquake zones. These can be used in the retrofitting of partially damaged buildings, especially schools. For more information on the project go to: www.architectureforhumanity.org