Chiho Ochiai

Chapter 12 Post-disaster reconstruction in Urban areas in Aceh

On December 26, 2004, a strong earthquake of magnitude 9.0 on the richer scale, hit the Northwest of Sumatra island, Indonesia and caused the Indian Ocean Tsunami. The tsunami struck Aceh and North Sumatra (NAD), caused about 130,000 deaths, 500,000 left homeless, and extensive damage to life, property, and infrastructures. Sumatra is the western tip of island in the Indonesian archipelago. The population of Aceh province is estimated at 4.2 million (2000), or 3% of the Indonesian population and nearly a quarter of the population of Sumatra as a whole. One of the most heavily affected areas is Banda Aceh, which is located at the tip of Sumatra island had a population of 270,000 of which about 25% people lost their lives.

A Study on Housing Modifications in Resettlement Sites in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

Abstract This study explores the reasons for, and patterns of, housing modifications in Mahogany Village at the Calaanan site, where permanent houses were built as part of a program to resettle communities affected by the severe tropical storm Washi that hit Cagayan de Oro City in December 2011. The basic housing units provided were not intended to be modified and the possibilities for adaptations were limited. However, this research found that residents were willing to invest in the construction of complementary spaces, even though it was considered a violation of their occupancy agreement. The construction of modifications was driven by the low performance of the houses provided, while the need to modify them came about because householders′ needs, activities, and goals were not properly satisfied. In this study, the identification of the patterns of modification is augmented by an analysis of the reasons behind these modifications, incorporating consideration of demographic, economic, sociocultural, local environment, and climatic conditions. The study′s findings reveal that the local characteristics of the resettled communities and their physical context were not taken into account during the planning stage of the resettlement.

Residential satisfaction and housing modifications: A study in disaster-induced resettlement sites in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

Purpose This study focuses on residents’ perceptions of the permanent houses built by various implementing agencies on the Calaanan site as part of post-Typhoon Washi resettlement in the city of Cagayan de Oro. This research aims to make a comparative analysis of the communities’ pre- and post-disaster situation, their satisfaction with the housing provided and the factors influencing housing modification. Design/methodology/approach The paper analyzes the data obtained from a questionnaire survey of residents, interviews with stakeholders involved in resettlement, observation survey and graphic documentation between July and August 2014. Findings The analysis of residents’ perspectives revealed that their building of extensions to houses was a response to a lack of consideration of their needs and of local environmental and cultural patterns in the planning and construction of permanent housing. Originality/value The findings are used to develop points to consider to gain a better understanding of residents’ adaptation to their environment. These points may be useful in improving future resettlement projects in a country permanently exposed to disasters.

Traditional Community-Based Disaster Management in World Heritage Site of Shirakawa Village

People have been fighting disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and fire to protect their lives, houses, and villages. Since most of the houses in Japan are made of wood, preventive measures against fire are prioritized. Historical and cultural houses and buildings often attract people’s attention. However, more importantly, that cultural heritage can be understood to be the result of efforts by local residents who have been maintaining structures and handing down traditions and beliefs to protect these heritage sites over the generations. Shirakawa village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in an isolated, heavy-snow environment. It has a long history of protecting its traditional houses, which are made with thatched roofs that are vulnerable to fire. The people of this village have formed associations, such as the Residents’ Association (RA) and Fire Volunteer (FV) force, and undertaken several activities to keep social order and prepare for disaster and emergency. For this study, an interview survey and participatory observation were conducted with RA and FV members. The study revealed that people in the village have been sustaining their traditional organizations and activities in spite of modernization and socio-environmental changes. This chapter focuses on the processes and mechanisms that have been established by local organizations and activities to protect the Gassho-zukuri houses, which are prone to fire. It will also examine how those mechanisms were developed and how they have helped to increase the awareness of local residents of the need to sustain the houses and the heritage of the local community. The analysis revealed that many activities have been conducted on a daily basis by several organizations as duty of community laborer, resulting in the establishment of a multi-layered structure. The study also found an interrelation between activities and awareness/spirits. Hence, establishing mechanisms that involve all local residents has been a key to maintaining the village’s cultural heritage.

Resident-built housing modifications as a factor of adaptability to the built environment in disaster-induced resettlement site in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

Abstract Tropical Storm Washi hit the city of Cagayan de Oro in Southern Philippines in December 2011, causing a massive and unprecedented destruction of urban areas, resulting in the displacement of 40% of the city population. The postdisaster housing recovery focused on the resettlement of affected communities in sites located in peri-urban areas. For this chapter, the target is GK Shell Village built by the NGO Gawad Kalinga in Calaanan Site. The houses were not intended to be modified. However, this research found that residents built housing modifications and extensions in order to satisfy their needs and lifestyles. This chapter aims to analyze the types of modifications, their motivations, and the reasons behind these modifications. This chapter contributes to both research and practice by understanding the gaps between the planned houses and the actual use which provides an important feedback for government and implementing agencies which might shape future reconstruction projects.

Community-Based Housing Reconstruction in Aceh, Indonesia

Housing reconstruction is one of the major tasks in post disaster recovery. Contrary to the conventional approach which is top-down decision making process, the participatory approach has gained the spotlight to improve the situation in housing reconstruction. In this chapter, the issues and specific difficulties in community-based housing reconstruction in Aceh are briefly described. Most housing reconstruction efforts have been completed and the lives of the people are getting back to normal. Their participation in the reconstruction process has given rise to increased community ties and a new found pride in the ownership of their homes. Modification of houses and development of landscaping after several years are a proof of people’s adaptation to their living environment. However these participatory decision making processes were time consuming and it should be carefully evaluated. Further observation and extensive study are needed for better understandings of these complicated reconstruction processes.