ABSTRACT
On the basis of literature reviews and much empirical research by this author, this chapter presents various aspects of disaster recovery, consisting of many short- and long-term activities to be implemented during a post-disaster period. The main purpose of recovery is to return the living conditions of people affected to a pre-disaster level faster and better. The actions associated with disaster recovery are the most diverse of all four stages in the emergency management cycle, and therefore it normally requires many more internal and external resources, particularly for major events, than do other stages. Recovery also involves individuals, groups, and organizations at many levels in an attempt to restore normality. The time to recover from a disaster greatly depends on many factors, such as the severity of the event, the level of development of the affected country, the size of the affected area, available resources, and the existence of recovery plans and programs prior to the disaster. A robust understanding of the different aspects of disaster recovery is essential for success in this endeavor.
