Rebuilding lives

A bottom-up post-disaster approach is needed, with local units equipped with training and funds.

Nearly two weeks after the rain-induced disasters and even as the festive season is already underway, victims in the hardest-hit areas still await rescue and relief. On Friday , the government declared several disaster-affected local units in 14 districts “disaster crisis zones” to accelerate rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction efforts. Although this was much needed, it also leaves us wondering whether this is yet another perfunctory step. This is evident from last year’s figures, as among the 865 families displaced from landslides, only 300 have had second instalment relief to rebuild houses; the rest haven’t even started reconstruction works.