Location
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Location
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Newsletter
Protecting Schoolchildren in Nepal: A Multifaceted Approach
Nepal is located in one of the most seismically active areas in the world. Based on government and GeoHazards International (GHI) data, a vast number of school buildings are highly vulnerable to heavy damage or collapse. No child should have to risk their lives to get an education.
Students exercise each school day (left) in front of their new, earthquake-resistant school building built through a GeoHazards International project. The school construction served as a demonstration and included local engineer and mason training (right) so that other new buildings can also be built more safely.
Ensuring the safety of schoolchildren in earthquake-prone regions requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses both structural and non-structural risks as well as the long term nature of implementing solutions. GeoHazards International-led efforts related to school earthquake safety in western Nepal follows a multifaceted approach. We promote the critical long-term work of safer, new school construction and strengthening existing vulnerable buildings, while also recognizing the immediate need to protect school children through interim solutions such as Earthquake Desks.
The Nepal Earthquake Desk (left) was carefully engineered to protect students sheltering underneath during an earthquake, when falling debris could easily harm them. The photo at right shows an Earthquake Desk subjected to the collapse of a full-sized stone masonry wall and stone slate roof. Water jugs below the desk remain standing and were not punctured during the laboratory test, indicating that students in their place would have safer outcomes from falling debris. The Earthquake Desk was designed by Arthur Brutter and Ido Bruno, who are collaborating with GeoHazards International.
Our initiatives:
1. Promote safer new construction
There is a critical need for safe and resilient new construction of schools in Sudurpashchim Province (western Nepal), particularly in remote areas. In addition to constructing new buildings, this initiative includes technical training and community engagement to ensure the long-term safety of newly built schools.
2. Strengthen existing vulnerable school buildings (retrofit)
GeoHazards International aims to enhance school resilience in western Nepal through retrofitting. Retrofitting is a cost-effective and timely solution to reduce the seismic vulnerability of schools. Our key objectives include training local engineers and masons in retrofitting techniques, strengthening vulnerable school buildings, and raising awareness and promoting disaster preparedness in schools and communities.
3. Earthquake Desks for interim protection
Earthquake Desks are specially designed classroom desks that can protect students from falling debris during earthquakes. Engineered to absorb energy from heavy impacts, the frame provides a safety zone in which students can take shelter, reducing their risk of injury during shaking. In western Nepal, large numbers of school buildings are vulnerable to structural failure, and it will take many years for them to be rebuilt or retrofitted. Earthquake Desks offer an interim and cost-effective way to increase student safety in the meantime.