06 March 2023

Post-Disaster Recovery: How to Overcome the Challenges?

Disasters occur as a result of natural or man-made events that cause loss of life and property in the region where they occur.

Disasters have a great impact on human life. After a disaster, people's lives may be endangered, their property may be destroyed and their psychological health may be affected. Therefore, people face many difficulties after a disaster.

What are the Challenges After a Disaster?

The post-disaster challenges vary depending on the region, type, severity and loss of life. After a disaster, people may experience psychological, physical, economic, social and many other difficulties. Material and moral difficulties such as security, shelter, food, water, transportation, communication, education and health are among the difficulties experienced. In the face of these difficulties, the individual also faces psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, anxiety, worry and loneliness. These difficulties greatly limit the life of the individual.

Disasters bring many challenges. After a disaster, people are first shocked by the impact of the event. The shock causes psychological problems. Therefore, the individual is also mentally restricted. These difficulties can be reduced with the support activities given to the disaster area. In order to minimize the effects of the disaster, disaster victims should be made aware of the healing process.

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What is Post-Disaster Recovery?

Disaster recovery is the process that individuals go through to return to their normal lives after a disaster. After a disaster, people may go through an emotionally difficult process, suffer physical injuries, or lose a large part of their lives. For this reason, having the right information about the post-disaster recovery process helps individuals to get rid of the effects of the disaster and start life again.

The recovery process usually consists of four stages, and each stage has its own challenges. These processes are as follows.

1. Rescue Phase: There are teams on duty in the region to rescue individuals who have been damaged by the disaster, to protect the lives of survivors and to meet their needs.

2. Rapid Recovery Phase: This is the phase where disaster survivors recover quickly and return to their daily routines. At this stage, individuals are treated and their needs are met in order to recover quickly.

3. Long Term Recovery Phase: These are the situations where the effects of the disaster cannot be overcome and continue for a long time. At this stage, the long-term needs of the individual are addressed and a study is carried out accordingly.

4. Reconstruction Phase: This is the phase in which the effects of the disaster gradually diminish and life is resumed. Damaged settlements are repaired, daily routines are resumed and the individual continues where he/she left off.

What Should Be Done During the Recovery Process After a Disaster?

  • First of all, stay in an environment where you are sure of your safety.
  • Provide materials for your needs.
  • Support each other with other disaster victims.
  • Do not avoid seeking professional support.
  • Do not hesitate to ask for help.
  • Restore your social relationships.
  • Participate in rescue teams.
  • Start getting back to your daily routines.

While what needs to be done in the recovery process may differ for each individual, the general outlines are as mentioned above. The recovery process can start immediately after the disaster. How long this process will continue depends on the individual's trajectory. While some people can recover quickly after the disaster, others may take a long time to recover. In this regard, the support activities provided are as important as the individual. Responding to the needs of people correctly will accelerate the process. For this reason, it is very important for disaster victims to know the difficulties encountered in the post-disaster recovery process.

For more information on post-disaster challenges and traumas, please visit Secondary Trauma and Communication with Earthquake Survivors.


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