Feasibility of Post-Cyclone Portable Relief Shelter: Case of Odisha

Owing to its geographical location and topographical conditions, the Indian peninsula is vulnerable to tropical cyclones. According to previous research, it is observed that cyclones occur more frequently in the Bay of Bengal and affect the entire stretch of the eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent. The state of Odisha which lies in this region is the most affected and experiences severe destruction of property infrastructure and life. During such a disaster, multi-purpose cyclone shelters perform an important role in providing vital aid to the affected people. Depending on the severity of the disaster, these shelters provide individuals with protection during the disaster and necessary resources such as shelter, first-aid box, and food for the short term. Such shelters, however, do not provide post-cyclone facilities, especially when many families are without adequate shelter. The research aims to explore the viability of a portable post-cyclone relief shelter to normalize day-to-day operations and provide a better life. During the study, an analysis of the literature, case studies with surveys, and interviews of stakeholders and affected individuals was conducted, and it was concluded that there is a need to have such post-cyclone portable shelter during the post-cyclone period to address their basic needs. The research concludes with the proposed design of a prototype of a portable relief shelter, analyzing its feasibility in terms of cost, ease of fabrication, transportation services, and maintenance by using locally available material to achieve environmental sustainability.