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Recovery after Disaster: Achieving Sustainable Development, Mitigation and Equity

Philip Berke, Jack D. Kartez, Dennis E. Wenger

Disasters · 1993 · 566 citations · 21 references

TL;DR

The paper reviews disaster recovery literature to highlight gaps and proposes that equity, mitigation, and sustainable development—achieved through local participation and institutional cooperation—are central to effective post‑disaster redevelopment. It synthesizes prior research, critiques assumptions about community rebuilding, and introduces a conceptual model illustrated by case studies of local recovery efforts. The study concludes that current disaster redevelopment planning lacks a focus on equity and sustainability, offering policy implications and directions for future research.

Abstract

This paper reviews key findings and raises issues that are not fully addressed by the predominant disaster recovery literature. Achievement of equity, mitigation and sustainable development, particularly through local participation in redevelopment planning and institutional cooperation, is the central issue of the review. Previous research and past assumptions about the process by which communities rebuild after a disaster are reviewed. A conceptual model for understanding local disaster recovery efforts is then presented. The conceptual and practical significance of this model is then demonstrated by presenting case studies of local recovery experiences. Finally, conclusions on the current understanding of disaster redevelopment planning, as well as implications for public policy and future research are offered.