“I thought I lost my home”: resource loss, distress and recovery after the Manaro Voui volcanic disaster on Ambae Island

Abstract

PurposeThis paper builds on existing studies by drawing on Conservation of Resources theory to explore the losses, psychological impacts as well as recovery processes of the 2017/18 volcanic disaster on Ambae Island, Vanuatu.Design/methodology/approachThis discussion is based on local perspectives and personal accounts collected through a series of eight semi-structured interviews (five males and three females).FindingsThe volcanic activity and subsequent displacement and evacuation led to significant resource loss which had a spiralling nature, causing psychological harm. Locals invested resources to recover and protect against future loss in diverse ways and, as resource gains were secured, experienced emotional relief. Key to recovery and healing included returning “home” after being displaced and reinvigorating cultural practices to re-establish cultural continuity, community and identity. Resource gains spiralled as people reconnected and regained a sense of place, optimism and the motivation to rebuild.Originality/valueNumerous studies have drawn upon the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory to explore how resource loss can trigger psychological distress during environmental disasters; however, it has not been applied in Vanuatu, the most at-risk nation globally to natural hazards. This paper builds on existing studies by exploring personal accounts of resource loss, distress and recovery, and providing insights into resource spirals, caravans and passageways.

Practices Supporting Community Recovery and Healing from Climate-Related Disasters: A Systematic Review

“…We identified 36 studies published between 2002 and 2022 that met the inclusion criteria. The included papers ( n = 36) represented a range of countries including Australia [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ], Canada [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ], Chile [ 31 ], China [ 32 , 33 ], India [ 34 ], Japan [ 35 , 36 ], New Zealand [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ], Nepal, Pakistan [ 42 ], Samoa [ 43 ], United Kingdom, United States [ 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ] and Vanuatu [ 51 ].…”

“…Eleven studies identify a sense of place and belonging interlinked with personal identity as a critical resource in recovery from disasters [ 22 , 23 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 32 , 40 , 43 , 48 , 51 , 53 ]. Tudor and colleagues [ 40 ] articulate place as a ‘grounding’ tool, important for re-establishing a safe place of connection.…”

“…People who have experienced disaster often interlink their recovery identity with a sense of belonging to a place [ 29 ]. The importance of returning to everyday pre-disaster practices, customs, and traditions to build belonging was described in two studies [ 32 , 51 ], wherein the importance of designing interventions embedded in cultural practices and community to support healing and recovery is exemplified [ 43 ].…”

“…Four studies identify community formation post-disaster as a critical resource in recovery from disasters [ 21 , 24 , 28 , 51 ]. Complementing the studies that demonstrate that high levels of pre-disaster social capital are predictive of faster community recovery and rebound, several studies discuss how the shared experience of disaster may generate a greater sense of community and belonging, which was not necessarily evident or a central feature of their lives before the disaster [ 24 , 28 , 51 ]. Silver and colleagues [ 28 ] highlight how feelings of uncertainty, guilt, grief, and loss were co-existent with shared strong feelings of belonging.…”

“…Clissold and colleagues [ 51 ] note the key role of joining together as a community to bring back cultural and everyday, pre-disaster practices. Scott and colleagues [ 24 ] stress the value of putting recovery in the hands of community-directed initiatives that build on community assets and social connections.…”