World Disasters Report 2001: Focus on Recovery

Disasters disrupt life, livelihoods, economies, political systems, belief systems, in short everything that makes society work. Recovering from disaster is about the rebuilding of all these systems in a way that renders societies less vulnerable to future disaster.

The World Disasters Report 2001 looks at how humanitarian agencies and governments can best help disaster-affected communities to recover, to become stronger and more disaster resilient. How can the gaps between short-term relief and longer-term recovery, between techno-centric master plans and people-centered solutions be bridged? Recurrent disasters are sweeping away aid dollars and arresting the development of millions of people. What are the root causes and what are the limits to humanitarian action?

The report examines how governments and aid agencies are failing to prevent or mitigate mega-disasters in India and Bangladesh. Chapters on Venezuela and Vietnam propose ways to avoid ‘reconstructing the risk’ following floods and mudslides. The report presents a model for sustainable social-sector recovery in post-conflict Somalia and analyses ways of tackling drought and famine across Central Asia. Further chapters examine the recovery of local economies and the role of volunteers in disasters. For the first time, the regular data chapter will include statistics comparing the effects of natural disasters and conflicts around the world.