Building-Back-Better in Post-Disaster Recovery: Lessons Learnt from Cyclone Idai-Induced Floods in Zimbabwe

Ernest Dube; Gayan Wedawatta; Kanchana Ginige

doi:10.1007/s13753-021-00373-3

Volume 12 Issue 5

Dec. 2021

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Ernest Dube, Gayan Wedawatta, Kanchana Ginige. Building-Back-Better in Post-Disaster Recovery: Lessons Learnt from Cyclone Idai-Induced Floods in Zimbabwe[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2021, 12(5): 700-712. doi: 10.1007/s13753-021-00373-3

Citation:

Ernest Dube, Gayan Wedawatta, Kanchana Ginige. Building-Back-Better in Post-Disaster Recovery: Lessons Learnt from Cyclone Idai-Induced Floods in Zimbabwe[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2021, 12(5): 700-712. doi: 10.1007/s13753-021-00373-3

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Building-Back-Better in Post-Disaster Recovery: Lessons Learnt from Cyclone Idai-Induced Floods in Zimbabwe

doi: 10.1007/s13753-021-00373-3

1. Department of Development Sciences, Faculty of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST), Marondera, Zimbabwe;
2. Department of Civil Engineering, School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK;
3. Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 8ST, UK

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Dedicated to our colleague and the first author of this article Dr Ernest Dube who tragically passed away in July 2021 during the production of this article. Rest in Peace Dr Dube! The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions made by the disaster practitioners and communities in Chipinge and Chimanimani Districts, Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe. Their participation in the focus group discussions and interviews made this study possible.

Available Online: 2021-12-25

Abstract

Abstract

This study evaluated the build-back-better considerations in post-disaster recovery, following the devastation of Chipinge and Chimanimani communities by Cyclone Idai-induced floods in 2019. Conducted in 2020, the study assessed the impact of Cyclone Idai-induced floods on communities in Chipinge and Chimanimani Districts of Zimbabwe; evaluated the build-back-better considerations; and analyzed the lessons learned. Based on a qualitative approach and case study design, the study depended on focus group discussions, interviews, and researcher observations to gather data from 85 participants. The findings indicate that Cyclone Idai-induced floods seriously impacted human lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods of communities that had been living with flood risk and vulnerability. Build-back-better considerations were absent in much of the post-disaster recovery effort to address the cyclone disaster impact. There are important early lessons for both practitioners and community members to learn from the Cyclone Idai event. These lessons still can inform policy and disaster risk reduction practice in the medium and long term. Build-back-better should be a mandatory objective in the recovery from any disaster impact. Continuous training is also recommended to improve the disaster knowledge of stakeholders and increase local ability to cope with future disaster events.
- Build-back-better,
- Cyclone Idai,
- Flood hazard,
- Post-disaster recovery,
- Zimbabwe

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References(57)

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