Disaster Recovery and the Road Ahead - IGNOU

Undertaking recovery to bring back the community to a better and safer level than
pre-disaster stage.
These goals bring home the point that those involved in disaster management recognize
the paradigm shift in dealing with the issue. All stakeholders in this process now aim
to address disaster management more holistically, treating it not just as one isolated
event requiring quick and efficient response, but a process that entails serious overhaul
at the preparedness and recovery phases, which are intermingled in many ways. Disaster
recovery is a long-drawn process but paves way for disaster preparedness. The more
prepared the community, more quick is its recovery in disaster aftermath.
1.3.4 Community and Community-Based Organizations
The most crucial stakeholder is certainly the community.
Their role is very important in post-disaster rehabilitation
and reconstruction. Right from rehabilitation of physical
and social infrastructure to final long-term recovery,
community has to be a part of all major decision-making.
The role of Community Based Disaster Management
(CBDP) in rehabilitation is no less important, as it is
through community involvement that all stages of disaster
management are complete.
CBDP in Post–Disaster Phase aims at:
a) Undertaking a detailed damage assessment covering verified number of human lives, identification
of victims (dead and alive), livestock, infrastructure and crops
b) Drawing up a comprehensive economic rehabilitation plan that includes restoration of agricultural
activity through necessary inputs, rehabilitation of artisans, marginal, small-scale and business
people, replacement of cattle, agricultural and other equipment, boats, fishing nets, etc.
c) Ensuring social rehabilitation through strengthening of existing health centres, schools, anganwadis,
community centres, vocational training centres, psychological counselling to the affected to
enable them to get back to their normal routine.
Key ingredients of disaster management with a community perspective would be:
Clearly defined and agreed criteria for the identification, selection and verification of the most
deserving beneficiaries
Emphasis on greater involvement and decision-making by women within the organization
Priority for the weakest and most vulnerable people
Strong local contribution
Conscious focus on livelihood-based programme input. This would provide long-term and
sustainable benefits to the community, and at the same time increase the commitment and feeling
of solidarity between the community and the workers
Right inputs to be given at the right time
Source: Community/utahredcross.blogspot.com
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