Eighth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

On 8 October 2005, Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), was struck by the most devastating earthquake. Beside human casualties, 83% of the then available housing stock in the urban areas of Muzaffarabad was severely affected. This study investigates the social, economic, and technical implications of post-earthquake urban housing reconstruction. The methodology mainly includes, review of relevant literature and face-to-face interviews with the heads of affected households and concerned officials. The data analysis includes cross-tabulation and calculation of satisfaction indices regarding various attributes of the re-constructed houses. The findings revealed that the financial and technical assistance provided to the affected households were inadequate whilst some vulnerable groups were completely ignored. Consequently, many households are still relying on transitional shelters for habitation. A large number of people living in hazardous zones are vulnerable to landslides, flash floods, debris flow, etc. This study suggests a holistic criterion to better cope with the implications.