Recovery from Disaster

Sudden-impact disasters, such as earthquakes, flash floods, hurricanes and tornadoes can cause dramatic increases in homelessness and almost instantaneous mass demand for temporary as well as permanent shelter. Moreover, on average each year, 720 catastrophes occur, some 270 million people are affected and $100 billion of damage is caused. Frequently, major crises occur as a result of the sudden creation of situations of mass homelessness in the wake of catastrophe. Moreover, in the future, climate change is likely to intensify the physical impact of meteorological and hydrological disasters, while at the same time many of the areas at risk (including floodable coasts and river valleys, unstable slopes, tectonic fault lines) are experiencing rapid rates of population growth. Throughout the world there has been a tendency to migrate to coastal areas, which offer superior economic opportunities. Sea-level rise and intensifying tropical storms are bound to increase the level and frequency of destruction in coastal disasters. This book considers how communities, from the local to the national, manage the aftermath of natural disasters and conflicts.

Disasters can dominate newspaper headlines and fill our TV screens with relief appeals, but the complex long-term challenge of recovery—providing shelter, rebuilding safe dwellings, restoring livelihoods and shattered lives—generally fails to attract the attention of the public and most agencies. On average 650 disasters occur each year. They affect more than 200 million people and cause $166 trillion of damage. Climate change, population growth and urbanisation are likely to intensify further the impact of natural disasters and add to reconstruction needs. Recovery from Disaster　explores the field and provides a concise, comprehensive source of knowledge for academics, planners, architects, engineers, construction managers, relief and development officials and reconstruction planners involved with all sectors of recovery, including shelter and rebuilding. With almost 80 years of first-hand experience of disaster recovery between them, Ian Davis (an architect) and David Alexander (a geographer) draw substantially from first-hand experiences in a variety of recovery situations in China, Haiti, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines and the USA.

The volume is further enriched by two important and unique features: 21 models of disaster recovery are presented, seven of which were specifically developed for the book. The second feature is a survey of expert opinion about the nature of effective disaster recovery—the first of its kind. More than 50 responses are provided in full, along with an analysis that integrates them with the theories that underpin them. By providing a framework and models for future study and applications, Davis and Alexander seek both to advance the field and to provide a much-needed reference work for decision makers. With a broad perspective derived from the authors'' roles held as university professors, researchers, trainers, consultants, NGO directors and advisors to governments and UN agencies, this comprehensive guide will be invaluable for practitioners and students of disaster management.