After an earthquake first priorities are preserving and protecting those who survived.
DIY and low-cost materials can be used for insulated bedding.
Mesh tubes with straw can make warming shelters in cold weather, and with clay added after freezing is past, become fire-proof multi-year shelters.
Is there earthquake risk in your area?
Learn simple techniques for stronger earthbag walls for your level of quake hazard.
How strong can earthen walls be?
Find material comparisons, and structural research.
Which natural walls are right for an area? Plan for safe buildings. Get help with cultures and sites.
Since four dozen buildings survived Nepal's 2015 quakes near severely damaged villages, structural testing of earthbag's barbed-wire reinforced walls shows high ductility (flexing under forces instead of breaking).
Cohesive damp soil fill
Made with 15" (380 mm) thick walls of hardened soil fill. Superadobe domes use long fabric tubes, and Hiperadobe in mesh tubes is monolithic.
Resilient CE uses special reinforcement chosen for risk levels with tested soil.
Gravel fill for water-resistance
Gravel fill in separate bags makes self-draining footings and base courses. CG also stops moisture wicking up the walls above. It may also reduce quake vibrations.
Double bags in hazardous areas and wrap wire along walls to resist quakes.
Loose sand fill or dry soil fill
8" (200 mm) wide infill used in structural frames for an inexpensive wall that does not quickly overheat or cool.
Wider sandbags can form site walls 4' (1,2 m) high or less.
More info is online about ecobeam, narrow-wall earthbag, e-khaya, and sandbag houses.