What is the focus of post-disaster recovery efforts?

The focus of post-disaster recovery efforts is on restoring normalcy. After a disaster has occurred, communities must work to rebuild and rehabilitate both physical infrastructure and social systems that have been disrupted. This involves not only repairing damage to buildings and roads but also addressing the emotional and psychological needs of individuals affected by the disaster. Restoring normalcy encompasses returning residents to their homes, reestablishing services such as healthcare and education, and facilitating community resilience to promote mental well-being.

The goal is to help affected individuals and communities regain their sense of stability and normal life, which can take a considerable amount of time and resources. This effort goes beyond immediate response, which focuses on life-saving measures and urgent needs, and typically occurs later in the disaster management process. Risk assessment and damage prevention, while important components of disaster management, are primarily concerned with preparing for future events rather than the recovery process following a disaster.