Students of University of Karachi presented a model of flood-proof houses

The Department of Visual Studies at Karachi University has presented a model of a house that can withstand floods in the future.

Express News reported that University of Karachi students presented a model for low-cost, sustainable and movable houses to control flood damage in the future. The cost of building materials for a house will range from 50 thousand to 1 lakh rupees, as well as living conditions in these houses made of bamboo, mats, mud, reusable plastic bottles, tires, etc.

In spite of their low weight, these houses can be moved easily if they are likely to be damaged or swept away by water. They can also be used to store belongings if necessary. During the recent flood, the houses were flooded up to 10 feet, so the exterior walls will be raised 15 feet to prevent water from seeping in.

The construction department declared this effort of the talented students feasible and gave an indication to implement it soon.

The students say they came up with a plan to develop lightweight houses after witnessing severe weather conditions in the country and then put it into practice.

The architecture students of the Department of Visual Studies also say that the house has the ability to float on the surface of the water while it has been designed keeping in mind the past life, culture and traditions of the IDPs.

The materials used in the construction of these houses are not alien to the affected communities and the structures can be built by the IDPs themselves due to simple construction techniques.

Structures of this type can float up to 10-12 feet and cost between 50K and 80K.

The recent floods in Pakistan have displaced more than 30 million people, with only 4,000 temporary tents provided for shelter, which are unsafe, and the surrounding unhealthy environment. Furthermore, they are incapable of preventing diseases from spreading.

According to Wajiha Siddiqui, a lecturer in the field of construction, we are facing the effects of natural disasters due to global warming. We should be prepared to face floods for many more years to come. Therefore, the team came up with this plan to give displaced people their shelters back.

The students were also informed about the humanitarian and flood situation during a workshop. Several foundations visited the students' project, and some NGOs are in contact with them, telling them that rough and ready houses should be phased out. Student efforts have been appreciated by local NGOs, and we are pleased with their response.

As a result, the flood victims can quickly recover and future floods can be prevented by using public assistance appropriately.