Abstract
The research produced six key recommendations for climate-related disaster response, reconstruction and recovery that builds vibrancy and allows populations to stay in place.
Ensure trauma-informed responses
Much of the population in disaster-affected towns, and not just the directly flood affected, is experiencing ongoing trauma. That emotional state influences their reactions and undermines their capabilities in the context of reconstruction. To ensure effective responses, engagement between government agencies and the public should be trauma-informed and solutions should be therapeutic.
Commemorate loss
Cultural heritage, and locations imbued with family memories or associated with personal milestones, are important to people’s identity and wellbeing. These have been lost without warning in the floods, contributing to trauma. People will be better able to support the changes associated with reconstruction and managed realignment, or move on with a healthy state of mind, if the losses they have experienced are acknowledged and commemorated.
Focus on the communal as much as the private
While individual losses in flood affected households are extremely high, both flood-affected and non-flood-affected households felt the loss of public spaces and amenities. These support a sense of community and combat social isolation throughout drawn out reconstruction periods. Prioritising restoration of common and public spaces, services and amenities as much as private property, will help people to maintain bonds to place.
Minimise reconstruction-related displacement
People were displaced and moved out of the town for various reasons unrelated to the initial flood: because of unsupported trauma, uncertainty and delays in the reconstruction process, and a lack of alternative places to move. The loss of population has implications for the wellbeing of people forced to leave, but also for the character of the town. Reconstruction needs to consider people and place together.
Prioritise local perspectives
Reconstruction was top down and designed and implemented by people from outside the town. Thus, it failed to successfully align with various community needs and priorities. Employing local staff, contracting local companies and valuing the knowledge of local people can create better outcomes.
Communicate clearly and consistently
The response to a disaster can create, rather than reduce, problems for the flood-affected if it generates uncertainty – undermining mental health, causing people to waste their resources and creating divisions in the community. Focusing on transparent decision-making processes and frequent communication can build trust.
Ensure trauma-informed responses
Much of the population in disaster-affected towns, and not just the directly flood affected, is experiencing ongoing trauma. That emotional state influences their reactions and undermines their capabilities in the context of reconstruction. To ensure effective responses, engagement between government agencies and the public should be trauma-informed and solutions should be therapeutic.
Commemorate loss
Cultural heritage, and locations imbued with family memories or associated with personal milestones, are important to people’s identity and wellbeing. These have been lost without warning in the floods, contributing to trauma. People will be better able to support the changes associated with reconstruction and managed realignment, or move on with a healthy state of mind, if the losses they have experienced are acknowledged and commemorated.
Focus on the communal as much as the private
While individual losses in flood affected households are extremely high, both flood-affected and non-flood-affected households felt the loss of public spaces and amenities. These support a sense of community and combat social isolation throughout drawn out reconstruction periods. Prioritising restoration of common and public spaces, services and amenities as much as private property, will help people to maintain bonds to place.
Minimise reconstruction-related displacement
People were displaced and moved out of the town for various reasons unrelated to the initial flood: because of unsupported trauma, uncertainty and delays in the reconstruction process, and a lack of alternative places to move. The loss of population has implications for the wellbeing of people forced to leave, but also for the character of the town. Reconstruction needs to consider people and place together.
Prioritise local perspectives
Reconstruction was top down and designed and implemented by people from outside the town. Thus, it failed to successfully align with various community needs and priorities. Employing local staff, contracting local companies and valuing the knowledge of local people can create better outcomes.
Communicate clearly and consistently
The response to a disaster can create, rather than reduce, problems for the flood-affected if it generates uncertainty – undermining mental health, causing people to waste their resources and creating divisions in the community. Focusing on transparent decision-making processes and frequent communication can build trust.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Publication status | Unpublished - 2025 |