The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), has teamed up with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to search out Nepalese nationals or others with local or regional experience to provide technical expertise” to volunteer in the efforts to rebuild the destruction. Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that rattled the region less than a week ago, Nepal faces a long road to recovery and structural rebuilding is just one small piece of the puzzle.
The IFRC has already sent 100 people to help the Nepal Red Cross with their search and rescue efforts as well as emergency health, water and sanitation, shelter and other support services such as telecoms and logistics. Most agencies are starting to feel overloaded and the IFRC expects that additional technical expertise will soon be needed.
Having architects and other professionals with this type of expertise will help search and rescue efforts as well as the efforts required to clean up and rebuild the region. The fate of Kathmandu’s Dharahara tower is a concern as well. The tower, which was nine stories (61.88 meters) tall, was a watchtower designed to provide views of Kathmandu. It is now only a 9-meter stump after the earthquake and it’s possible there were as many as 200 people inside. The tower was constructed in 1832 and rebuilt in 1833 and 1934 after earthquakes.
RIBA members or practices with the necessary expertise and experience to help are encouraged to register their interest with RIBA Head of International, Marcus Deeley.
Via Arch Daily
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