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Earthquake Resistant Housing – Awaran District. Balochistan

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Introduction

Following the 2013 earthquake in Awaran, Baluchistan, Indus Earth Trust initiated reconstruction project focused on building earthquake-resistant housing in Awaran. The project emphasized community participation and the use of locally sourced materials, specifically supporting communities in constructing or reconstructing their homes. This project funded by UBL Bank Limited, Pakistan aims to rebuild 50 houses decimated by the earthquake in Awaran in 2013. The project was executed under the Indigenous Housing Systems program of IET.

The Earthquake Resistant Housing project in Awaran served as an example of how post-earthquake reconstruction can be effectively implemented by combining community participation, local knowledge, and targeted material support to build safer and more resilient housing.

Objectives

  • Aware the communities in Zero-Carbon Housing Approach
  • Train local mesons in earthquake resistance housing/ Construction.
  • Construction of 50 damaged houses for ultra-poor families.

Capacity Building:

As part of the project IET arranged for 4 masons and a supervisor from Awaran to be trained in specific techniques of Earth Quake Resistant Housing. These trainings were conducted at IET’s Mehran Human and Institutional Development Centre (MHIDC), located in Gharo, Sind. After completing training the masons have returned to Awaran to complete the project of 50 damaged houses.

Community Involvement:

The project adopted a community-led approach, where local residents were actively involved in the rebuilding process, including wall construction.

Material Support:

The project provided roofing materials and components to support families in constructing or rebuilding their homes.

Existing Construction Methods:

The project utilized and supported existing local construction methods and materials, ensuring cultural appropriateness and cost-effectiveness.

Resilient Construction:

The overall aim was to create a disaster-resilient built environment, reducing the risk of future damage and loss from earthquakes.

Project Components

Prevent loss of life and injury during an earthquake.

<img src="https://www.indusearthtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSC02309.jpg"> <div class="img-content-project"> <ul> <li>Protecting Lives </li> <li>Minimizing Damage</li> <li>Preventing Collapse</li> </ul> </div>

To limit the extent of structural and non-structural damage to buildings.

<img src="https://www.indusearthtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSC02315-1.jpg"> <div class="img-content-project"> <ul> <li>Appropriate Materials</li> <li>Construction Techniques</li> <li>Structural Designs.</li> </ul> </div>

To prevent the building from collapsing, especially during the most intense shaking.

<img src="https://www.indusearthtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSC09621.jpg"> <div class="img-content-project"> <ul> <li>Foundation</li> <li>Connections</li> <li>Proper Construction</li> </ul> </div>

Choosing cost-effective materials and construction methods that provide adequate protection.

<img src="https://www.indusearthtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2house.jpg"> <div class="img-content-project"> <ul> <li>Minimize Economic Losses</li> <li>Minimize Damage </li> <li>Minimize Repair Costs</li> </ul> </div>

Beyond immediate safety, earthquake-resistant design contributes to the overall resilience of communities.

<img src="https://www.indusearthtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Cover-3.jpg"> <div class="img-content-project"> <ul> <li>Maintaining Functionality</li> <li>Economic Considerations</li> <li>Enhancing Resilience</li> <li>Promoting Awareness</li> </ul> </div>