2.1. Response to Tsunami and Kashmir Earthquake

And following various guidelines which we showed by the GSDMA and all others IS codes, Kutch Nava Nirman Abhiyan of that time has developed many of the models earthquake resistant, one is G+1 model, one is the imitation of the Bonga, what you can see is the plinth band, sill band on the roof band.

In response to past disasters, guidelines from GSDMA and IS codes have influenced the design of earthquake-resistant buildings. The Kutch Nava Nirman Abhiyan led to the creation of various models, such as a G+1 building (which means a ground floor plus one additional floor). The design includes structural elements like the plinth band, which helps to distribute loads evenly, and sill bands, which add stability to the walls.

Think of a house as a tall toy block tower. If the blocks are stacked correctly (like using plinth and sill bands), the tower can stand strong against forces, such as when someone accidentally bumps into it. Just like carefully stacking the blocks prevents the tower from falling, following building guidelines ensures that homes can survive earthquakes.

So, following these codes as well as the guidelines which has been issued by the authorities, so they also demonstrated that how the transfer of this technology can be implemented like the upgradation of the Bonga roof.

The upgrading of roof designs is a crucial part of building earthquake-resistant homes. The deployment of innovative technologies like octagonal conical roofs, supported by a fabricated truss, illustrates how existing structures can be enhanced for better resilience. This type of roof is designed to handle the horizontal forces that earthquakes generate, reducing the risk of collapse.

Imagine holding a metal umbrella during a storm. Its design allows strong winds to pass around it without breaking. Similarly, well-designed roofs, like those mentioned, can help buildings withstand seismic activities.

And similarly, in the hospital what you can see is that they are building some units of the geodesic domes which has known for its earthquake-resistant structure and which will have less area and more volume.

Geodesic domes are recognized for their structural integrity and efficient use of materials. In areas prone to earthquakes, these dome-shaped buildings distribute stress evenly, allowing them to resist seismic forces better than traditional structures. Hospitals in earthquake-prone areas are increasingly using this design to ensure safety for patients and staff.

Consider how a soccer ball can withstand pressure from being kicked. The curved shape evenly spreads force throughout the structure. This is similar to how geodesic domes distribute stress, making them stable during an earthquake.

But now, what you are seeing is a view of the village which has been reconstructed at the same places like you can see a small Bhongas next to it where they were living temporarily.

In the aftermath of disasters like earthquakes, community involvement is critical for rebuilding efforts. Villages have been reconstructed using designs and materials that reflect local needs and traditions, ensuring that the new homes are not only practical but also familiar to the residents. Temporary housing, such as Bhongas, serves as an essential step in the transition back to permanent homes.

Think of how a group of friends might fix up a clubhouse that's fallen apart. They would sit together and decide what materials to use and how to rebuild it to fit everyone’s needs. Similarly, communities work together to rebuild homes that best suit their way of life.

There is also some earthquake-resistant models which were developed by Caritas-KVT but these are very not even relevant to this area but they are very uniform and standardized forms of the concrete models where people showed their reluctance in not to stay in these houses.

The transition to using newer construction materials, such as standardized concrete models, has faced challenges. While these materials are intended to improve safety, communities often have emotional ties to traditional building methods and may resist adopting unfamiliar options. Understanding the community's needs is essential to overcoming this reluctance.

Consider someone who loves the old-fashioned way of cooking with a traditional stove. If they are offered a fancy microwave, they might hesitate to switch because the microwave feels too different. Just like that, communities can hesitate to adopt new building techniques that differ from what they know.

So, these are some of the examples from the Gujarat earthquake whereas in following the Gujarat we have Tsunami and immediately after Tsunami the Kashmir earthquake.

The response to the Gujarat earthquake informed subsequent disaster recovery efforts, such as those following the Tsunami and the Kashmir earthquake. Each disaster provided learning opportunities to improve technology and response strategies, ultimately making communities more resilient to future events.

Imagine a football team that learns from each game they play. After losing a tough match, they analyze what went wrong and improve their strategy for the next game. Similarly, communities analyze their responses to disasters to make better preparations for future challenges.

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