Identifying key criteria of the physical facilities for an evacuation centre for flood victims

Abstract

Malaysia has been experiencing many natural disasters such as floods, landslides, earthquakes and droughts, which resulted in damaging the properties and causing casualties. The most disastrous was in 2014 during the biggest flooding affecting over 36,128 families in East Coast of Malaysia particularly in Kelantan. During disaster events, public buildings such as schools, community halls and religious buildings, including mosques have been used as evacuation centres in Malaysia to place the flood victims. Many studies identified that the flood victims had experienced many problems and discomfort with regards to physical facilities and amenities. These include improper sleeping area, cleaning and washing facilities as well as the needs for privacy for the flood victims. The aim of the research is to establish the key criteria to achieve the most appropriate and suitable physical facilities as well as meeting the psychological needs of the victims of natural disasters. The research begins with the review of the physical facilities requirements for appropriate and suitability as evacuation centre. Assessments on the components of the physical facilities for the existing evacuation centres are conducted. The research adopted a qualitative approach where data were collected through observation and interviews. Secondary data through literature analysis to examine the study's theoretical context. Three case studies in Kelantan were selected in Kelantan namely Veteriner office, Kuala Krai, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Keroh, Kuala Krai and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Lati, Pasir Mas. Comparative analysis were carried out to evaluate the existing evacuation centres taken as case studies. The research found that the basics physical facilities (with appropriate size, spaces and specifications) should be provided to be considered as evacuation centre. Thus, this research is an attempt to propose the criteria of physical facilities for evacuation centre. It is believed that the most appropriate and suitable physical facilities and amenities for evacuation centre would be able to meet the well-being of the victims that include not only comfort but privacy as well to achieve rehabilitated environment for the flood victims in Malaysia physically, psychologically and mentally.