Apr 19, 2008

Earth Quake Management

A report in SciDev.Net indicated that scientists in Nepal’s Institute of Engineering's Centre for Disaster Studies have developed a cheap and easy technique to protect houses from earthquakes. The technique includes use of stone and unfired bricks as material for house making in Nepal which is fortified by mud and bamboo easily available locally along with gabion wire. A one meter square grid is punched in the wall which is covered with bamboo net on the inside and outside. Gabion wire is inserted in the holes and the net fastened after which the holes are covered with mud to protect the net. The cost is limited to Nepal Rs 1500 – 2500 ($ 20 to $ 30) per house. While Nepal has fortunately not had a major earthquake for long, one is expected in the years ahead as the region is in high danger zone.

(SAST FEBRUARY 2007