Temporary Accommodation Facilities for People Affected by an Emergency or Humanitarian Disaster

Abstract

Aim: This article attempts to provide an insight into the planning and construction of temporary accommodation for those affected by warfare and hu- manitarian disasters. The damage to housing infrastructure is often very extensive and its reconstruction takes up to several years, during which time it is necessary to provide refugees and disaster victims with minimum living conditions until they are able to move into permanent housing facilities. The article further describes the planning process that should be followed before disasters, as well as the types of temporary accommodation and the use of local resources in disaster recovery. Introduction: In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the occurrence of natural disasters and local armed conflicts. In most cases in- frastructure in disaster areas is severely damaged or completely destroyed. Houses and residential buildings are very vulnerable to damage and are the most visible consequence after disasters. At the same time, for the people affected by these disasters, they are very traumatic experiences. The article describes the key role of temporary housing during the recovery from humanitarian disasters, identifies common problems and provides some suggestions on how to overcome them. Methodology: The paper mainly uses theoretical research methods, including literature analysis and the opinions of international experts who have conducted studies of many humanitarian disasters and warfare. The analysis which was carried out made it possible to establish and present directions for the construction methodology and optimal solutions in the refugee accommodation project. It discusses elements that can be classified as common patterns of temporary accommodation and reviews of both successful and unsuccessful solutions. Conclusions: The article discusses important factors related to humanitarian disaster preparedness and management. In order to assess the prepared- ness of planning and disaster management, the article answers the following questions: what is good planning and management and what is the role of temporary housing? The answer is based on the results of empirical and behavioural research conducted by international experts and UNDRO – the United Nations Disaster Relief Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Keywords: UNDRO, UNHCR, humanitarian disasters, temporary accommodation Type of article: review article