The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has joined forces with the local beneficiary population to build the first earthquake shelter in Honduras. The shelter is located in the southern region of Matapalos Arriba, in the municipality El Triunfo, Choluteca province, one of the most vulnerable regions in Honduras.

Lisandro Rosales of the Permanent Commission for Contingencies (COPECO) told Tierramérica that the shelter is a pilot initiative aimed at training local communities to better cope with unforeseen disasters, while offering them a safe place to take shelter if needed.

The area around El Triunfo is classified as a high-risk area due to constant landslides and building collapses caused by seismic faults, noted Rosales, adding that some 500 local families will benefit from the initiative.

The construction of the shelter cost 16,000 dollars and took seven months.