2008年-世界发展银行全球_Short-Term_Plan_of_Action___Wenchuan_Earthquake_of_12_May_2008_12页_719kb

EAP DRM KnowledgeNotes Summary: Wenchuan Earthquake Short-Term Plan of Action

Core Content

This document outlines the short-term plan of action for recovery and reconstruction following the May 12, 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake, a Mw 8.0 disaster that caused extensive damage across Sichuan Province. It serves as a guide for the Government of China, drawing on global best practices from previous earthquake recovery efforts.

Main Views and Key Information

1. Phases of Recovery and Reconstruction

The earthquake response and recovery process is divided into three phases:

• Response (0–10 days): Immediate actions such as rescue operations, medical aid, and emergency shelter provision.
• Relief (0–25 days): Stabilization of the situation with the focus on restoring basic services and providing temporary shelter.
• Recovery (days to months): Transitioning to more permanent housing and restoring economic activity.
• Reconstruction (months to years): Full rebuilding of the affected area with a focus on building back better, i.e., not rebuilding the next disaster.

2. Recovery and Reconstruction Strategy

• Damage and Loss Assessment (DLA) is a fundamental tool for identifying recovery needs and guiding the reconstruction process.
• The DLA methodology, developed by ECLAC and adopted by the World Bank, involves assessing damage at the sector level (public, industrial, residential/commercial) and quantifying total losses.
• The assessment helps in defining the required financing, including cash grants, in-kind contributions, and loans, as well as a timeline for recovery.

3. Housing Reconstruction

• Owner-driven reconstruction is preferred over donor-driven models, as it increases sustainability and community ownership.
• Debris clearance should be a priority to enable on-site housing reconstruction.
• Core housing modules should be provided immediately to allow residents to return to their neighborhoods.
• Housing should be disaster-resistant, using simple and culturally appropriate technologies and local materials to avoid delays.

4. Infrastructure and Economic Recovery

• Critical infrastructure (e.g., schools, clinics, public spaces) must be rebuilt with disaster-resistant technologies and proper siting.
• Economic recovery is closely tied to the phase-out of social protection schemes and the restoration of livelihoods.
• Public works programs can provide intermediate employment and increase purchasing power during the recovery phase.

5. Institutional and Policy Considerations

• A specialized agency (e.g., an Earthquake Reconstruction Authority) should be established to coordinate recovery efforts.
• Transparency in the reconstruction process is essential for public trust and effective coordination.
• Public-private partnerships (e.g., the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool) can be a model for catastrophe insurance programs in China.
• Comparative advantage in roles and responsibilities among different actors (government, NGOs, donors) is important for efficient implementation.

6. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

• DRR should be integrated into all phases of recovery and reconstruction.
• Seismic microzonation and modern building standards are critical for reducing future risks.
• Long-term national DRR programs should be prioritized, including:
  • Mandatory hazards assessment reports
  • National hazards mapping
  • National hazards insurance programs

7. Social Protection and Health Services

• Social protection mechanisms (e.g., cash transfers) should be established to support affected populations.
• Health services must be restored quickly, with attention to special populations such as women and children.
• Health promotion and disease prevention should be integrated into recovery efforts to mitigate the spread of diseases due to environmental risks.

Key Recommendations

• Start recovery planning immediately after the disaster.
• Prioritize local and owner-driven housing reconstruction.
• Implement seismic-resistant building standards and ensure their enforcement.
• Develop a national hazards insurance program to support future disaster resilience.
• Establish a dedicated reconstruction authority for coordination and management.
• Ensure transparency in the reconstruction process through effective communication.
• Integrate DRR into all recovery and development planning.
• Support livelihood recovery through job creation and resource allocation.

Conclusion

The Wenchuan Earthquake provides a unique opportunity to rebuild in a more resilient and sustainable manner. By learning from past experiences in countries like Pakistan and Indonesia, China can adopt a comprehensive, transparent, and community-driven approach to recovery and reconstruction, ensuring that the rebuilding process not only restores normalcy but also reduces future disaster risks.