Post-disaster social reconstruction and social development

Abstract

Post-disaster social reconstruction and social development. © 2016 Manohar Pawar. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), permitting all non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 50 RESEARCH ARTICLEPost-disaster social reconstruction and social development Manohar Pawar* School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga, Boorooma Street, North Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia Abstract: The Asia-Pacific region has experienced major disasters, both natural and man-made, in the recent past. Hundreds of families and communities, and several governments, non-government organisations, international organisations and aid agencies have been engaged in relief, rebuilding and rehabilitation activities with varying degrees of effectiveness and success. This article aims to reflect on some of these post-disaster reconstruction experiences; exploring how a social development approach can be employed for the post-disaster social reconstruction; and suggest regional social policies and strategies for multi-stakeholder cooperation to effectively address post-disaster issues at the local level. Although efforts made by several agencies in very challenging contexts are commendable, there are few examples to show the application of the social development approach. By discussing the social development approach, the paper argues that the conscious use of such an approach facilitates a better planning and preparation for anticipated disasters, rehabilitation processes and the comprehensive development of disaster affected areas, including environmental and psycho-social issues. Towards this end, it underscores the role of regional social policies and multi-stakeholder cooperation. The discussion has implications for local and international communities, which are engaged in pre-planning and preparation for disasters and post-disaster reconstruction. Keywords: post-disaster, social reconstruction, social development approach, planning and preparation, rehabilitation, regional social policies and multi-stakeholder cooperation

Culminating Crises: Reflections and Learnings for Sustainable Development

“…Depending on the nature of the disaster, recovery takes a long time, and often many people do not receive the needed support for their proper and full rehabilitation. Often, the elderly, women and children remain more vulnerable (Pawar, 2008, 2016). Frequent disasters may also lead to aid fatigue as not enough resources may be available to support.…”

Editorial

“…We have been repeatedly warned that the frequency and intensity of disasters are likely to increase, and we need to prepare well. In disasters, often vulnerable groups, such as elderly people, the disabled and children are neglected both during the relief operation and post-disaster rehabilitation (Pawar, 2008, 2016). But governments must be accountable and responsive to their needs.…”