Dear Readers,

We are happy to bring you this issue of the newsletter focusing on disaster recovery. Six months after the great tsunami tragedy, the countries most affected by the disaster are taking great strides towards recovery and long-term reconstruction. A wide range of agencies have come forward to help in the recovery process. ADPC too has extended its expertise particularly to Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives in leading these countries in their recovery initiatives. The recovery phase of any disaster is a challenging one and yet it provides the most opportunities for introducing risk reduction and mitigation measures, thereby reducing future impacts of natural disasters. It is the recovery phase, where crucial decisions are taken that sets the agenda for long-term reconstruction, rehabilitation and development of any country. 

The post-tsunami recovery has brought to the fore some conflicting issues; such as the environmental restoration and resettlement, and the creation of buffer-zones. The buffer-zones are not an answer to either environmental restoration or the exclusion of people living on the coastal areas, when their livelihood depends on it. A "porous approach” should be developed that builds resilient communities for people to repopulate the coastal areas they have occupied for centuries. For the extreme issues of truly unsafe areas, a selected area for non-occupancy may be acceptable. Resilient communities are those that will allow and be designed for people to manage risk.

In this issue, the theme article by Loy Rego and Supriya Mehta brings out the key issues in recovery and also illustrates ADPC’s initiatives in assisting the tsunami affected countries. Mr Boen and Mr Jigyasu debate the issue of relocation of communities, citing example of two past earthquake and tsunami cases from India and Indonesia. Mr Mihir’s article raises the expectations from the International Recovery Platform, whilst Ms Dilruba’s article demonstrates the value of introducing risk reduction in the early stages of relief and recovery. Also showcased in this issue are some of the recovery initiatives in the different tsunami affected countries.

Our sincere appreciation is extended to Mr Loy Rego, Mr Arambepola, and Ms Supriya Mehta, for their contribution on the overall theme of this issue. We hope you enjoy this issue, and as always we look forward to receiving your comments and suggestions.

Happy reading!

Earl Kessler
ekessler@adpc.net 

Themes for Forthcoming Issues of the Asian Disaster Management News
Climate Risk Management (July - September 2005)