There are many factors involved in rebuilding from a natural disaster. But with the increase in urbanization worldwide, policies that include risk reduction measures with the need to throw up new buildings and repair infrastructure quickly are becoming ever-more crucial to recovery efforts.
That was one of several messages delivered by politicians, policymakers and disaster response experts from Japan and elsewhere at the International Recovery Platform conference in Kobe on Friday, the eve of the 20th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake.
"What's needed is risk-informed development. It's not just about rebuilding after a disaster. It's about risk-informed rebuilding," said Jo Scheuer, director of public policy and support bureau at the United Nations Development Program and chair of the International Recovery Platform Steering Committee.