A Typology Framework for Trade-Offs in Development and Disaster Risk Reduction: A Case Study of Typhoon Haiyan Recovery in Tacloban, Philippines

Abstract

Development and disaster risk are deeply linked. Disasters reverse development gains; development initiatives influence the risk, vulnerability, and exposure of people, assets, and environments to disasters. Hence, knowledge of key dimensions of the potential trade-offs between development and disaster risk reduction (DRR) may inform decision-making processes, goals, and initiatives in ways that have potential to address unsustainable development practices that are commonplace in countries of all economic levels. This paper presents, explores, and tests a conceptual framework for analysing the trade-offs that underpin this relationship as evidenced through policy goals, initiatives, and decision-making processes. We categorise key dimensions of relevant trade-offs into five specific dimensions: (i) The aggregation of development and DRR gains and losses, (ii) risk prioritisation when seeking to reduce multiple risks, (iii) the equity of decision-making processes and outcomes, (iv) the balancing of near-and long-term goals, and (v) the distribution of power and participation. By framing key questions related to each trade-off dimension, we test the framework in the context of a major disaster recovery process in Tacloban, the Philippines, following Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in November 2013. We consider how decision-making trade-offs can be made more visible and useful in the pursuit of transformative change in development and DRR.

Pathways to Livable Relocation Settlements Following Disaster

“…With a daytime population of nearly a quarter million people, Tacloban City is a bustling regional hub that faces urbanization challenges like many growing Asian cities, including seaside informal settlements [69,70]. Following Typhoon Haiyan, the city government decided to relocate informal settlers (up to 40 percent of the city's population) to the largely undeveloped northern edges of the city, and envisioned a development with a vibrant environment, social services, and livelihoods [71]. Both the central government's National Housing Authority (NHA) and numerous non-governmental organizations committed to constructing socialized housing projects, yet the NHA took on the largest share by committing to more than 14,000 houses.…”

“…Coordinated implementation for multi-site integrated services improved in 2015 and 2016 with the city-led push to develop (and secure national funding for) the Tacloban North Integrated Development Plan [74]. Although the initial city plan entailed completing the permanent relocation housing by the storm's three year anniversary, the idealized goal for Tacloban North was largely not met [71].…”

Building Back Better With Vulnerability: Post-Haiyan Reflections on Risk Perception

“…Lejano et al [5] discussed about the risk perception through investigation of the role of risk communication. Tuhkanen et al [6] discussed the risk perception of people after Haiyan in terms of trade-offs in development and disaster risk reduction. However, there are very few studies which have attempted to analyse the mechanisms involving risk perception, intention and structurally targeted risk reduction behaviour in post-Haiyan Leyte.…”

A Study on Estimation Equation for Damage and Recovery Costs Considering Human Losses Focused on Natural Disasters in the Republic of Korea

“…Compensation is based on damage data on natural disasters obtained from studies conducted by insurance companies. In Germany, an equation on wind was developed and applied, while the United States developed and applied an equation on the size and damage of wind and extreme wind [19][20][21][22][23]. In accordance with the developed equation, high-risk regions affected by natural disasters are not likely to be sufficiently rewarded after the potential effects of certain disasters, as disaster compensations are less there than in ordinary regions [24,25].…”