From Crisis to Action: Architecting Hope in Post-Earthquake Afghanistan
The earthquake that struck Herat, Afghanistan, in October 2023 has left a profound impact on the lives of those affected. As winter sets in, the gap between the massive scale of destruction and the aid provided remains glaring, with many still in desperate need of proper shelter, clothing, and basic provisions. In the face of this crisis, a unified effort is crucial—both within Afghanistan and from the global community—to address these urgent needs effectively.
The Immediate Needs: Temporary and Permanent Housing
Two key approaches need immediate attention to improve the living conditions of those impacted by the earthquake:
Temporary Shelters: The creation of temporary shelters is vital to protect people from the harsh winter and health risks, particularly for women and children. The cold winds and biting temperatures of Herat’s winter make the affected population extremely vulnerable. These shelters need to be built urgently while planning for permanent housing is underway.
Permanent Housing: The widespread destruction of homes requires a thoughtful and resource-conscious approach to rebuilding. Given Afghanistan’s limited resources, solutions must be tailored to leverage locally available materials and construction techniques. Financial constraints add another layer of complexity to this challenge.
Innovative Solutions: Leveraging Local Resources
Some initiatives, like Farhad Darya’s fundraising efforts for super-adobe shelters, show promise. These eco-friendly structures, made from clay and sandbags, offer protection against the elements and are relatively easy to dismantle when permanent homes are available.
Repurposing shipping containers—abundant in Afghanistan and cost-effective—presents another practical solution. These containers can be modified into living spaces equipped with essential amenities and deployed quickly where needed.
Efforts like these, supported by individuals and groups such as Nasrat Khalid’s team at Aseel, highlight the importance of swift and adaptive responses to crises. However, these efforts alone cannot meet the extensive needs of the affected population. A collaborative approach involving various stakeholders is essential.
The Path to Long-Term Rehabilitation: Sustainable Housing Solutions
Permanent housing is the cornerstone of long-term rehabilitation. It’s crucial to educate and empower the affected communities to build earthquake-resistant homes. Without a systematic approach, the cycle of constructing vulnerable structures will continue, putting lives and property at risk.
Affordable housing solutions tailored to local resources and methods offer a viable path forward. Drawing inspiration from successful models in countries like Nepal and Mexico, methods like Rammed Earth construction—exemplified by the Agha Khan Foundation’s projects, Chihilsitoon Garden and a the Bamiyan Provincial Hospital—provide compelling options. Simplified versions of these methods, using local materials and community involvement, can ensure affordability and sustainability.
Prefabriccated Housing
On a more important note, prefabricated housing, despite its complexity, holds potential for addressing Afghanistan’s housing challenges. This method enables the mass production of standardized modules adaptable to various geographical and climatic conditions within the country. We are moving forward with the prefabricated housing method and working with expertes from different areas of work to tailor a solution for the current housing challenge in Afghanistan.
Moving Forward: A Call for Collective Action
To transition from crisis to action and architect hope in post-earthquake Afghanistan, we need collaboration and support on a larger scale. With more than 20,000 homes affected in Herat alone, temporary aid is essential, but the focus must shift towards sustainable, permanent solutions.
While long-term efforts are critical, immediate interventions—whether in the form of container housing, super-adobe shelters, tents, or traditional brick-and-concrete structures—must continue. Constructive engagement and mutual support are key to overcoming the challenges faced by returning Afghan refugees, who numbered over 400,000 in 2023, with more expected by the of 2025. Beyond housing, their successful reintegration requires education, employment, and comprehensive support systems.
As an architect with deep roots in Afghanistan, I am committed to crafting solutions and rallying support. Every individual has the potential to contribute positively, whether they are within or outside Afghanistan. Waiting for external assistance is not a viable option; it’s our responsibility to take action and resolve our country’s challenges.
In conclusion, the aftermath of the Herat earthquake demands immediate and sustained action on multiple fronts. While short-term relief efforts are crucial, we must also focus on comprehensive, sustainable solutions. Collaboration among diverse stakeholders, leveraging local resources, and adapting proven construction methods tailored to the region’s needs are essential steps forward. Addressing the dual challenge of providing temporary and permanent housing is not just necessary—it’s an urgent imperative for the future of Afghanistan.
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