Hazard mitigation in disaster recovery

This briefing paper elaborates upon four key points in mitigating hazards in the recovery phase. It explains that wise land-use planning prior to any natural event becoming a disaster is the best and most cost-effective means of reducing risk from hazards. In this sense, the publication underlines the importance of externalizing future costs to disaster survivors, taxpayers, and the environment in development activities.

In addition, the paper highlights that effective hazard mitigation in the wake of a major disaster requires a carefully planned “whole community” approach when assessing damage and determining the way forward. At last, it emphasizes that a speedy recovery rarely leads to rebuilding more resiliently and safely and the paper explains the problem of funding for mitigation activities.