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Temporary sheltering areas in case of earthquakes: engineering design, implementation and policy experiences. The case of Quito – Ecuador

Fabricio Yépez (College of Science and Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador)
Juan Pablo Villacreses (College of Science and Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador)

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment

ISSN: 1759-5908

Article publication date: 24 May 2022

Issue publication date: 10 November 2023

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present implementation of temporary sheltering areas (TSAs), in case of earthquakes for Quito, as a low-cost mitigation project in developing countries. Four pilot TSAs were built and a limited communication effort was implemented by municipality. Years after, effectiveness of the project was evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

TSA locations were chosen considering technical aspects, using a weighted decision matrix through an analytical hierarchy process defined with private and public sector professionals. Four pilot TSAs were built and information about them was spread including a hazard signage program targeted to the population.

Findings

After a year, communication effort conceived by the municipality ended, decision-makers changed and a M5.1 local earthquake hit the city, causing few casualties and structural damage. Population and municipality officials had forgotten about the project. TSA facilities were out of service. Four years later, authorities changed again, TSA changed their use, hazard signage program was abandoned and population was completely unaware about the project.

Practical implications

TSA project is a suitable low-cost disaster management initiative for developing countries. However, if a sustainable communication is not performed, suitable mitigation projects could be ineffective in time.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates how to implement TSAs in cities with limited resources and following a rational decision procedure. It remarks benefits and mistakes detected years after that could improve decisions in similar preparedness initiatives against earthquakes in other developing countries.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The TSA engineering design and implementation phase was funding by the Quito's Municipality.

Citation

Yépez, F. and Villacreses, J.P. (2023), "Temporary sheltering areas in case of earthquakes: engineering design, implementation and policy experiences. The case of Quito – Ecuador", International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Vol. 14 No. 5, pp. 655-668. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-09-2021-0129

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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