But houses made with cement and steel are also vulnerable. In reality the collapse is because of poor quality and absence of disaster resistant features in construction.

Another important step towards disaster mitigation is to assess the vulnerability of the existing houses, damaged or otherwise. This vulnerability can be reduced by “retrofitting” them. It involves the application of appropriate measures to increase their strength. Retrofitting is the least costly, yet very effective, option for reducing damage and saving lives in the event of future disasters.

In its efforts of promoting disaster mitigation NCPDP takes up studies of the vernacular construction practices, evolves appropriate disaster resistant technologies for new and existing buildings, and strives for their inclusion in disaster rehabilitation policy and programs. These technologies are taken to the people through Capacity Building Programs.