Supporting Thimphu’s Path to Safer Buildings

2019 - 2020

Bhutan

Using models to identify and quantify building damage from two likely earthquakes affecting the capital city, the scenarios will inform land use planning and building codes to reduce risk.

Students with Visual Impairments Prepare for Disasters

2015 - Present

Bhutan

A disaster preparedness plan and drills tailored for students with visual impairments, so they practice how to respond safely during and after emergencies.

Producing Affordable Earthquake Desks

2015 - Present

Bhutan

Locally made Earthquake Desks are affordable, withstand heavy loads, and provide safer cover in schools that are not yet earthquake resistant.

Seismic Resilience Evaluations

2013, 2016 - 2018

Bhutan

Engineers gained skills to assess structural vulnerability of Bhutan’s schools and health facilities, so that the government could evaluate post-earthquake safety of buildings.

Bhutan National School Earthquake Safety Day

2013 - Present

Bhutan

An annual learning event and simultaneous national school drill for all schools in Bhutan, which lies in a high seismic zone.

Hospital Disaster Planning, Preparedness and Training

2013

Bhutan

Emergency planning and realistic disaster simulations for staff at hospitals in Bhutan, plus mitigations to keep the facilities functioning post disaster.

National Action Plans for School and Hospital Earthquake Safety

2010 - 2015

India, Bhutan

These consensus-based action plans, which include ways to prepare for and reduce risk in schools and health facilities, were adopted into national policy.