Research for improved Shelters for Responding to Floods in Pakistan: Phase II

Three years of extreme flooding in southern Pakistan between 2010 and 2012 caused damage and destruction to 3 million homes, affecting 18 million people in 78 districts. In response, numerous shelter/housing recovery projects were implemented across the country, applying diverse designs, methodologies and building materials. However, there was a lack of research to evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches. With support from the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), IOM, as national sector lead agency in Pakistan, initiated an independent research study in order to address this gap. Phase I of this study developed a Research Methodology to assess shelter solutions and their performance against flood risks. This was completed in 2014.

Phase II builds on this methodology, with the aim of carrying out research on post-flood shelter projects in order to develop guidance on flood-resistant shelter solutions in Pakistan. From 2015 to 2017, research will be carried out in the areas of Southern Pakistan that were severely affected by flooding in 2010-2012. Research will include an analysis of the technical, economic, environmental and social benefits and disadvantages of various shelter approaches, as well as a physical testing component to evaluate flood resistance.

The findings of this study will then be used to create a “Construction Guide” for shelter in flood-prone areas in southern provinces of Pakistan. Ultimately, this will support improved shelter responses in the future, by encouraging flood-resistant, sustainable construction techniques that build the resilience of affected communities.