Transitional shelter in post-disaster contexts (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1387)

This report includes case studies from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Haiti

From:
Department for International Development
Published
22 July 2016
Country:
Bangladesh, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines
Document Type:
Lessons Learned
Theme:
Humanitarian Disasters and Emergencies, Infrastructure

Abstract

The questions asked for this helpdesk report:

  • What have been the different approaches and strategies to transitional shelter in post-natural disaster contexts in developing countries?
  • What lessons have been learned (with a focus on the non-technical aspects of transitional shelter)?

Literature on approaches to transitional shelter in post-natural disaster contexts reflects the variety of different approaches and definitions, which complicate understandings of transitional shelter and lessons learned.

There are 3 main approaches to transitional shelter, all of which incorporate disaster risk reduction measures to reduce household vulnerability:

  1. an incremental process rather than a multi-phased approach (Shelter Centre/International Organization for Migration)

  2. rapid, post-disaster shelter made from materials that can be upgraded or re-used in more permanent structures, or that can be relocated from temporary sites to permanent locations (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies)

  3. addressing the short to medium term needs of disaster affected households, involving the provision of inputs to create shelters consistent with internationally recognised guidelines (United States Agency for International Development)

A number of lessons can be drawn from brief case studies from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Haiti, including:

  • transitional shelter is cost-effective over time if implemented correctly, and provides good opportunities for scale-up by using common local and regional materials

  • meaningful engagement with affected communities and individuals is important to ensure they lead on it, design and implementation is context-appropriate and the needs of the marginalised and vulnerable groups are considered

  • knowledge of good, safe building practices is required so that houses incorporate disaster risk reduction measures

  • pressure should not be taken off the permanent housing reconstruction effort

  • the integration of other sectors such as livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and transport, is important for the success of the transition

Citation

Rohwerder, B. Transitional shelter in post-disaster contexts (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1387). GSDRC, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK (2016) 16p

Transitional shelter in post-disaster contexts (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1387)

Published 22 July 2016
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