CARE Afghanistan sheds light on improving structural integrity in the face of floods and house collapses: 'Simple but effective techniques'

Last week, CG covered roof collapses in Afghanistan that followed heavy rainfall and resulted in the deaths of women, whose movements in the country are often limited to domestic spaces. CG followed up with Mohammad Akmal Shareef, Country Director for CARE Afghanistan, for more on the subject. 

"In recent years, CARE has supported earthquake-affected communities by constructing disaster-resilient shelters, including 180 units in Paktika and 400 in Herat," Shareef said. 

"Building on this experience, CARE is currently constructing an additional 205 disaster-resilient shelters in Nangarhar." The region has been significantly impacted by floods in recent weeks and months.

In a brief describing the organization's approach to strengthening the integrity of structures amid major floods and its centering of women and girls in emergency response, CARE noted a three-pronged approach that includes constructing disaster-resilient shelters and implementing watershed management as well as building protective flood walls and stabilizing riverbanks. 

On the first point, the organization noted, "Key measures include elevating foundations above expected flood levels, using stronger and water-resistant construction materials, reinforcing walls and roofing structures, and ensuring proper site selection away from high-risk zones," according to the brief.

"Introducing simple but effective techniques, such as raised plinths, improved drainage around homes, and adherence to basic building standards can greatly enhance the durability of structures."

CARE underscored that improving the structural integrity of homes and other buildings could save lives and prove cost-effective by reducing the need for future rebuilding efforts.

Kirsten Krueger contributed to the editing of this article.