Introduction
Although earthquakes are less frequent in many parts of South Africa, the growing unpredictability of global seismic activity due to environmental and human-induced factors means that no community is immune to risk. In informal settlements—where structures are often poorly constructed and densely packed—the impact of even a mild tremor can be catastrophic.
Neftaly (South African Youth Project) is committed to building disaster-resilient communities, including preparing informal settlements for low-probability but high-impact events such as earthquakes. Through proactive education, community-based safety planning, and structural awareness, Neftaly aims to protect lives and reduce potential devastation.
The Earthquake Risk in Informal Settlements
While earthquakes may not be top-of-mind in regions with low seismic activity, the lack of resilient infrastructure in informal settlements amplifies the danger when they do occur.
Key vulnerabilities:
- Poorly constructed homes using unreinforced brick, corrugated iron, or wood
- No adherence to building codes or structural standards
- High population density, making evacuation and rescue difficult
- Limited access to emergency response services
- Lack of knowledge about how to respond during an earthquake
Even a small quake can cause:
- Collapsed homes
- Injuries from falling objects or debris
- Fires from broken gas lines or electrical faults
- Mass panic and displacement
Neftaly’s Earthquake Safety Strategy
Neftaly takes a preventive, educational, and community-driven approach to earthquake safety in informal settlements. Our mission is not only to raise awareness, but to actively engage communities in building safer environments.
1. Community Earthquake Awareness and Education
Neftaly runs regular education sessions and awareness campaigns in at-risk communities, focusing on:
- What earthquakes are and how they occur
- Signs of structural weaknesses in buildings
- Safe behaviors during and after an earthquake
- First aid tips and basic emergency response
We use visual guides, role-play scenarios, and mobile workshops to ensure information reaches all age groups, including children and the elderly.
2. Household and Community Safety Planning
Every household should have a plan. Neftaly supports communities in developing practical, easy-to-follow earthquake preparedness plans, including:
- Designated safe zones inside and outside the home
- Emergency meeting points for families and neighborhoods
- Go-bags with essentials (water, torch, medication, documents)
- Instructions for switching off gas and electricity
- Identifying structural hazards (e.g., loose shelving, unstable roofs)
Neftaly also assists communities in organizing practice drills to prepare for coordinated responses.
3. Safe Construction and Retrofitting Guidance
While many informal dwellings are built without engineering input, Neftaly educates residents and builders on:
- Basic low-cost methods to improve building stability
- Safe roofing techniques to reduce collapse risk
- Anchoring furniture and appliances to walls
- Creating “triangle of life” safety spaces in small rooms
Where possible, we partner with technical experts and NGOs to support community-led retrofitting of homes, schools, and shared structures.
4. Training Community First Responders
Neftaly trains local youth and volunteers in:
- Light search and rescue
- First aid and triage
- Crowd management during disasters
- Communication with emergency services
These local responders act as the first line of defense in the critical minutes following an earthquake, especially in areas where formal emergency services may be delayed.
5. Building Partnerships and Advocating for Inclusion
Neftaly works with:
- Municipal authorities to ensure informal settlements are included in emergency planning
- Engineers and NGOs to support safe construction education
- Community leaders to localize solutions that work for each unique area
We advocate for earthquake risk to be formally acknowledged and addressed in urban development and housing policies, especially in under-resourced areas.
Case Insight: Preparedness in High-Risk Zones
In 2024, Neftaly partnered with community leaders in a seismically sensitive area of the Western Cape to deliver earthquake safety training. Over 500 residents took part in workshops and evacuation drills. As a result, 150 homes were retrofitted with safer materials and bracing, and three local youth teams were trained as emergency responders.
This pilot program is now a model for future earthquake safety campaigns across informal settlements.
Recommendations for Action
To build earthquake-resilient informal communities, Neftaly recommends:
- Widespread earthquake education in all settlement communities—even low-risk zones
- Promotion of low-cost, safe building practices
- Establishment of local emergency response teams
- Integration of informal settlements in disaster risk management plans
- Funding mechanisms to support retrofitting and safety upgrades
Conclusion
Informal settlements may be vulnerable, but they are not helpless. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, communities can prepare for disasters, including rare but dangerous events like earthquakes.
Neftaly is committed to building resilience where it’s needed most—by empowering residents, strengthening local capacity, and creating a culture of safety in informal settlements. Earthquake safety is not just about survival; it’s about enabling communities to thrive, even in the face of risk.
