2022 Southeast Afghanistan Earthquake, Rapid Technical Field Assessment Report
August 2022Early in the morning of June 22, 2022, an M5.9-6.0M1 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, resulting in extensive loss of life and damage to housing. Miyamoto International (Miyamoto)’s Engineering and Shelter team was engaged for a 10-day mission to identify common building typologies, common failure modes, and possible mitigation strategies. The team assessed:
a) Whether the current vernacular housing typologies were appropriate for the seismic risk
b) The technical cause(s) of house failure
c) The appropriateness and financial viability of repairing/retrofitting damaged houses for use as emergency/transitional shelters prior to the onset of winter
d) The percentage of houses that could be rapidly repaired, upgraded, or reconstructed
e) Strategic advice to the shelter cluster on repairs or reconstruction assistance.
About the Project
The IOM Post-Earthquake Geotechnical Assessment for Earthquake-Impacted Areas and Technical Support to the Shelter Cluster and Partner Actors in Afghanistan project is focused on two activities advanced in parallel. Activity 1, Geohazard Investigation, aims to address the concerns of the affected area’s potential vulnerability to geohazard failures through a geotechnical risk assessment comprised of existing document analysis, field investigation and data collection, and analysis of findings for the development of a summary report and recommendations. Activity 2, Technical Support to the ESNFI Cluster and Partner Actors, is advancing ongoing technical analysis, refinement and provision of technical advice to cluster partners; training of engineers and technical staff within cluster partner agencies on the rapid assessment of earthquake-damaged vernacular structures, points of failure, and repairability; and training-of-trainers for Shelter Cluster partner staff on improved
About the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM is part of the United Nations system and is a related organization. IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice. The organization works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility. The Organization is guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including upholding human rights for all. Respect for the rights, dignity, and well-being of migrants remains paramount.
About Miyamoto International
Miyamoto International (Miyamoto) is a global multi-hazard engineering and disaster-risk reduction firm providing resiliency expertise that sustains industries and safeguards communities around the world. We are experts in earthquake-resilient engineering practices that reduce damage and facilitate disaster recovery. We design new construction and assess existing buildings to address specific vulnerabilities to disasters. We prioritize solutions that limit damage, business interruption, and loss of life. Miyamoto is strategically located worldwide in regions vulnerable to disaster to positively impact economies and save lives.
Disclaimer
The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IOM.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Miyamoto wishes to thank the IOM team and the ESNFI Shelter Cluster Afghanistan for the opportunity to support this project, and for providing critical guidance and support throughout the project.
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