Standard reference

IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Shelter Damage Assessment (https://dtm.iom.int/)

IOM DTM's post-disaster damage labels are the most widely reused operational taxonomy for this measurement; the Global Shelter Cluster's four-tier version is the second-most common. Neither is a legal or engineering classification, and neither claims to be. Sphere 2018 Chapter 4 frames the operational use of these tiers for recovery programming.

Values

Code Label Standard code Definition
destroyed Destroyed The structure is completely destroyed or collapsed; rebuilding from foundation is required. Not habitable under any condition.
severely_damaged Severely damaged Major structural damage to load-bearing elements (walls, roof, foundation) rendering the dwelling unsafe. Extensive reconstruction is required before safe occupancy.
moderately_damaged Moderately damaged Significant damage to non-structural elements (walls, openings, partitions) or limited structural damage. Major repairs are required; dwelling may be temporarily uninhabitable.
minor_damage Minor damage Minor cosmetic or surface damage (cracks, finishes, fixtures). Dwelling remains habitable; minor household-level repairs are sufficient.
undamaged Undamaged No observable damage from the shock. Recorded to distinguish from missing observation.

Referenced by this vocabulary

  • Global Shelter Cluster Global Shelter Cluster (IFRC/UNHCR co-led)
  • IOM DTM International Organization for Migration (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix
  • UNDP/EU/WB PDNA United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union (EU), and World Bank (WB), 2017