5. Analysis of the South Asian Disaster Report

Welcome to the course, disaster recovery and build back better. My name is Ram Sateesh. I am an assistant professor in Department of Architecture and Planning, IIT Roorkee. Today, we are going to discuss about build back better in the case of Nepal recovery.

In this introductory segment, Professor Ram Sateesh is welcoming students to a course focused on disaster recovery, emphasizing the concept of 'Build Back Better' (BBB). BBB refers to rebuilding in a way that improves overall resilience after a disaster. Understanding this concept is crucial, especially in the context of Nepal's recovery following significant disasters.

Think of it like reconstructing a house after a fire. Instead of just fixing it back to how it was, you'd want to use stronger materials and better designs to ensure it stands firm against future disasters.

Every disaster experience provides us some lessons to take over for the future. This has been published by Duryog Nivaran secretariat and this is about the build back better concept as a theme and how it has been implemented in different disaster contexts in the South Asian region.

The professor highlights that each disaster teaches valuable lessons. The South Asian Disaster Report focuses on these lessons and the implementation of BBB practices across various disasters in South Asia, such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones. By analyzing different disaster contexts, we can identify effective strategies and pitfalls.

For example, after a flood, a community might learn the importance of better drainage systems. This knowledge can lead to improved infrastructure and reduced damage in the event of future floods.

They have tried to cover the earthquake in Nepal in 2015 and the Meeriyabedda Landslide in Sri Lanka in 2014, the Uttarakhand Floods, Cyclone Phailin and Cyclone Hudhud from the Indian geography and which was in 2013.

The focus of the report includes several specific disasters experienced in South Asia from 2007 to 2015. Each disaster presents unique challenges and responses, making comparative analysis valuable in understanding how BBB principles were applied accordingly.

Imagine a student studying for a test who realizes different subjects like Math and History require different study techniques. This comparison helps the student apply the best strategies to enhance performance.

We share some similarities, not only from the cultural aspect but also from our socio-economic context of it and the vulnerable context of it and the development setting of it.

The professor emphasizes that despite the diversity of countries in South Asia, they face similar socio-economic challenges, vulnerabilities, and developmental contexts related to disasters. Recognizing these similarities can lead to more effective regional collaboration and learning.

Consider a group of friends who each face different problems in their lives but can share advice based on their similar experiences. By helping each other, they can find better solutions together.

Initially this report discusses about the jargon on similarities and dissimilarities of build back better, the notion of build back better.

In this part, the report defines various terms related to the BBB principle. Understanding the language of recovery is essential as it sets the foundation for the discussion on effective rebuilding and resilience strategies.

Think about learning a new language: understanding the basic vocabulary is crucial before you can have a conversation. Similarly, grasping the terminology in disaster recovery is vital before diving into practical strategies.

Build Back Better is not just in the physical sense... we need to embed all the social and cultural and economic aspects sent to it in a holistic sense.

The idea of BBB extends beyond rebuilding physical structures like houses or schools. It also includes social aspects such as community trust, cooperation, and economic stability, addressing the broader context of disaster recovery.

Imagine a sports team that only focuses on practicing physical skills but ignores teamwork. To truly succeed, the team must also build relationships and strategies to work well together.

This is where it addresses the uniform understanding of the uniform risk and vulnerability assessment procedures.

The institution plays a critical role in disaster recovery by establishing laws, building codes, and risk assessment procedures. An effective institutional framework ensures a uniform approach to managing and mitigating risks associated with disasters.

Imagine a school where all teachers follow a curriculum. If everyone is on the same page, students receive a consistent education. Similarly, a uniform risk assessment ensures that communities are better prepared for future disasters.

This is where we talk about insurance and other risk sharing public private finance for constructions.

The economic dimension of BBB involves discussing funding mechanisms, including insurance and public-private partnerships. Understanding how to finance reconstruction is critical to ensure sustainable recovery and promotes resilience in communities.

Consider starting a business: you often need funding to cover costs. Just as businesses seek financial support through loans and investors, post-disaster recovery also requires strategic financial planning to rebuild effectively.

Conservation of the natural ecosystem, how important is it, in order to protect the habitats from the disasters.

Integrating ecological considerations into recovery efforts involves conserving natural ecosystems that can buffer against disasters. Such measures help protect communities against future hazards and promote long-term sustainability.

Think of wetlands as sponges that absorb floodwaters. Just as maintaining healthy wetlands can help mitigate flood risks, ecological recovery practices can support community resilience post-disaster.

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