Disaster Shelter in the Philippines Addressing the Occupants’ Needs During and After Typhoon

The study aimed to develop a disaster shelter (DS) capable of enduring the strength of a 300 km per hour typhoon and has the provisions of a small dwelling complete with food, water and on-and- off grid electricity supply. The study utilized a descriptive-evaluative research design of which technical people in the fields of architecture and engineering and non-technical residents of Naga City were asked regarding the acceptability of the DS. Data gathered were analyzed using weighted mean and a computer software particularly STAAD was used for structural designing. The shelter developed which is primarily made of reinforced concrete was designed with the following considerations: reinforced concrete is a material proven for strength and durability, second floor level was a safe elevation against flood, North and East facing walls were against the strongest wind pressures, the galvanized iron roof required shielding from the strong wind, and the shelter has to address the needs of the occupants during and after the disaster. The structure was found capable of resisting a strong earthquake and a typhoon wind velocity of 300 km. per hour. In terms of its acceptability, Disaster Shelter was rated by respondents as very satisfactory. This rating may have been influenced by the actual appearance of the building and its features which ensure the safety of the shelter against flood and provides for the most immediate needs of would -be occupants. The study showed that ensuring the safety of people near or in their place of residence would be more advantageous to the people themselves but also to the government in terms of ensuring safety and management of risks and difficulties.

Keywords – Disaster Shelter, Typhoon Shelter, Disaster Management, Typhoon Risks, Typhoon Difficulties