Following the earthquake that occurred in January 2020 in Elazığ Province, Türkiye, the need for urgent, safe, and sustainable accommodation solutions for disaster-affected citizens became a top priority. In this context, 600 Earthquake Zone Living Container Units were rapidly planned, manufactured, and transported by DORÇE, and commissioned on a turnkey basis in the disaster areas.

The project was carried out under the coordination of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and once again demonstrated the operational effectiveness and reliability of prefabricated modular container solutions in post-disaster rapid response processes.

All living units were fully manufactured in a factory environment at the production facilities in Ankara and transported to the site as ready-to-use modules, including room, bathroom, and kitchen. Upon arrival, the container units were installed rapidly with minimal on-site work, enabling the immediate and safe provision of shelter to disaster-affected individuals without delay.

What Are Prefabricated Modular Living Containers for Earthquake Zones?

Prefabricated modular living containers are container-based solutions developed to meet urgent shelter needs quickly and practically following earthquakes and similar disasters. These units are fully manufactured in factory conditions, can be commissioned on site with minimal intervention, and provide safe living spaces under disaster conditions.

The prefabricated modular living containers developed within the scope of the Elazığ Earthquake were designed to include rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, and were produced to meet the basic living needs of affected individuals. The units were planned to ensure rapid installation and ease of use.

Project Scope and Technical Specifications

The project was implemented in Elazığ, Türkiye, under a turnkey delivery model. The application covered a total area of 12,600 m², utilizing prefabricated modular container units.

The scope of work included:

• Design and engineering studies
• Production and supply of prefabricated container units
• Transportation and logistics organization
• On-site placement and commissioning works
• Electrical and mechanical system installations

All living containers were fully manufactured at the Ankara production facilities and delivered to the disaster area assembled and ready for use. Through rapid on-site placement activities, the container units were commissioned within the timeframe specified by AFAD. The project was successfully completed between February and March 2020.

Advantages of Prefabricated Modular Container Units in Disaster and Emergency Response

Prefabricated modular container units provide speed, logistical efficiency, and operational flexibility in disaster and emergency management. Thanks to factory-completed production, quality standards are ensured, while rapid deployment becomes possible without the need for on-site construction activities.

Due to their portable structure, container units can be reused in different disaster areas and offer flexible use as temporary or mid-term shelter solutions. These characteristics create an effective and sustainable solution for post-disaster shelter management.

DORÇE’s Operational Capability in Post-Disaster Container Solutions

The Elazığ Earthquake Prefabricated Modular Living Container Project clearly demonstrates DORÇE’s rapid production capacity, strong logistics management, and turnkey delivery capability in post-disaster scenarios.

Designed in accordance with disaster conditions, the container units were delivered through experienced engineering infrastructure and rapid site mobilization capability, enabling public authorities to respond to urgent shelter needs quickly and safely.