International Recovery Platform

This study of Colorado’s 2013 floods aims to help communities learn how to improve recovery decisions that decrease their vulnerability to a wide variety of hazards and prepare for future disasters that may strike. It explores policy planning, lessons, and changes made in the aftermath of the 2013 floods in the seven affected communities (Boulder, Lyons, Longmont, Estes Park, Loveland, Evans and Greeley).

This working paper presents the findings from a pilot research project that investigated how disaster-affected households in low- and middle-income countries rebuild their homes in situations where little or no support is available from humanitarian agencies. The project was an interdisciplinary collaboration involving social scientists, geoscientists, structural engineers and humanitarian practitioners.

This guidance highlights key environmental issues throughout the recovery and reconstruction process and is designed for humanitarian agencies, government officials, and community groups involved in supporting affected populations for recovery and longer-term reconstruction.