Planning Resettlement After Disasters

Abstract

Problem, research strategy, and fi ndings: The number of people displaced either temporarily or permanently from natural disasters has been increasing at an unprecedented rate. As a result, there is a growing need for a systematic framework of resettlement planning after disasters, to either rebuild in place (in situ) or to relocate, and whether to do so independently or collaboratively with their neighbors. To gain an in-depth understanding of how resettlement is advanced, I focus on a region in Chuetsu (Japan) supplemented with cases in New Orleans (LA) and Tohoku (Japan). Results suggest that resettlement decisions, processes, and outcomes refl ect both larger socioeconomic trends and interactions between governments, communities, and households. Although the governments' speed of resettlement planning and implementation initially set the pace, informal communication within communities most infl uenced decision making. In addition, inherent community dynamics, especially styles of communication, directly infl uenced resettlement decisions and outcomes. Takeaway for practice: Although every disaster is unique in its context, communities are the key players in determining resettlement outcomes. Key points of consideration include: a) resettlement decision processes vary based on the inherent characteristics of communities; b) government offi cials often emphasize speed, even though it undermines overall quality of rebuilding; c) reestablishing livelihoods of equal or greater satisfaction to that before the disaster is important; and d) local communities are often capable of identifying and acting for their needs, regardless of governmental intentions. Planners need to support the establishment of a system in which communities are empowered by governments to make the most suitable decisions for sustainable livelihood recovery.

Speed or deliberation: a comparison of post‐disaster recovery in Japan, Turkey, and Chile

“…There are essentially three choices regarding land use planning: (i) rebuild in the original place; (ii) move to a safer adjacent neighbourhood; or (iii) relocate to a new place. In addition, there is also the issue of whether to move whole communities collectively or whether individuals should make their own arrangements (Iuchi, ). This decision depends largely on the degree of damage, the willingness of the inhabitants to move, the difficulty of mitigating future risk, and the economic implications of the move (Ye, ).…”

“…In addition, there is also the issue of whether to move whole communities collectively or whether individuals should make their own arrangements (Iuchi, 2015). This decision depends largely on the degree of damage, the willingness of the inhabitants to move, the difficulty of mitigating future risk, and the economic implications of the move (Ye, 1996).…”

Post-Disaster Relocation of Urban Coastal Communities in the Philippines

“…35 Iuchi, Maly, and Johnson, -Three years after a mega-disaster‖, 40. problems. 36,37,38,39 Issues that arise include haphazard development, poor land management, and sub-standard infrastructure as a result of urbanization pressures, and these form additional vulnerabilities to natural hazards. 40,41 Furthermore, inequitable financial, social, political, and participatory opportunities of disaster-affected populations aggravate preexisting poverty and inequality.…”

Disasters and Large-Scale Population Dislocations: International and National Responses

“…The emotional impact of displacement also takes its toll on people, leading to mental health issues, such as family stress, gender-based violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and potential for suicide ideation (Willox et al, 2013). The "dying of a broken heart" and the "solitary death" syndromes are well documented in the resettlement literature (Fried, 1963;Iuchi, 2014). In addition, if displacement is prolonged over extended periods of time (years), the consequences for mental health and social well-being may be exacerbated (IDMC, 2017A).…”