(2014) Recovery from a Mega Disaster: Haiti Earthquake 2010
Summary — This case study examines Haiti's recovery policies and practices following the devastating 2010 earthquake. It focuses on the period from the earthquake to the present, highlighting key findings related to disaster recovery frameworks and coordination challenges.
Key Findings
- Chronic poverty and rapid urbanization complicated recovery efforts.
- Lack of a designated government agency to lead disaster recovery initially hindered coordination.
- The Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC) aimed to mobilize financial and technical resources but faced challenges.
- Local-level recovery efforts often occurred independently of national initiatives.
- The private sector played a significant role in recovery, particularly at the local level.
Full Description
This case study analyzes Haiti's recovery from the 2010 earthquake, focusing on policies and practices implemented from the disaster until 2014. It explores the challenges of coordinating international aid, establishing effective governance structures, and addressing the needs of affected communities. The study highlights the transition from post-disaster assessment to recovery programming, the roles of various actors (government, international community, NGOs, private sector), and the efforts to implement best practices in disaster recovery. It also examines the allocation of funds, the establishment of coordination mechanisms, and the achievements made in infrastructure reconstruction, displacement reduction, and economic recovery.