The Philippines’ Tough Rebuilding Task

Disaster relief and reconstruction offers especially tough challenges for developing nations like the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan. Displacement adds to immediate shelter, health, sanitation and economic problems, and that is a first priority. “The reconstruction and rehabilitation process, however, will also include rebuilding damaged infrastructures, restoring power and water supply, and reviving local economic activity, establishing peace and order, providing livelihood programs, and reconstructing government buildings and schools in the affected localities,” reports Pacific Strategies and Assessments for Asia Sentinel. Reports of political rivalries, corruption or delays could reduce international and local support. The risk analysis firm points to Indonesia’s Agency for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Aceh and Nias, instituted after the 2004 tsunami, as a model for financing, rebuilding infrastructure and working closely with local communities. Likewise, the Philippines should follow China’s example, after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, in raising building standards before rebuilding. The firm concludes that the Philippines must prepare for future disasters. – YaleGlobal