Community reconstruction orientation by victims of the disaster of a post-monsoon flood in Malaysia

Abstract

A monsoon flood often happens on a huge scale on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has an immediate impact on the community. This article explores the community reconstruction orientation of the victims of the disaster of a post-monsoon flood in Malaysia. The study was carried out using an exploratory case study design on nine flood victims in Pahang, Malaysia. These informants were chosen by using purposive sampling, and data were gathered using the interview and observation methods. This study found three forms of community reconstruction orientation: (1) self-orientation, (2) family orientation, and (3) community orientation. Each orientation can be observed in a context through a participation indicator element, such as priority and commitment; readiness, knowledge, and skill; and social routine. A reconstruction effort from all parties ought to consider these orientations to avoid negative effects on the community. Thus, this study suggests that a partnership approach should be applied in the future to carry out community reconstruction. However, the findings cannot be generalized since it was a preliminary study.

Performance evaluation in humanitarian operations based on the beneficiary perspective

“…In the disaster risk management category, Amir Zal (2017) analysed the process of rebuilding a community after a monsoon flood in Malaysia through an experimental case study with victims of the disaster and observations in shelters created after the disaster. Charoenkalunyuta et al (2011) evaluate the resilience of land properties for communities affected by disasters arising from natural risks, presenting highlighting the indicators related to the responsibilities of those involved in decision making, provision of data and information and participation of the parties in disaster prevention actions.…”

“…Additionally, when analysing the reconstruction process of the community affected by the disaster, Amir Zal (2017) indicated that self-orientation is one of the forms of reconstruction, and this is related to actions that prioritize reconstruction activities, such as actions for health recovery, cleaning and site sanitation. Piyasil et al (2014) analysed the quality of life of children and young people after the 2004 Thailand earthquake.…”

“…For example, in addition to issues of education, Gouws (1990) presented goals related to socioeconomic factors, such as accelerated development, integration of family planning with development programmes and community involvement in activities from the programme. In addition to the pre-disaster indicators mentioned in the previous section, Amir Zal (2017) proposed activities related to social routines with motivating actions to return to daily life and meet basic needs to assist in the reconstruction of communities affected by disasters.…”

“…Finally, in the disaster risk management category, the community orientation proposed by Amir Zal (2017) was also based on participation in reconstruction activities following a disaster, with one of the activities mentioned being the community's relationship with external agencies. Schiffling and Piecyk (2014) discussed aspects related to risk management from the perspective of learning and growth, including the local leadership of the community.…”