ABSTRACT
Recovery plans should be prepared prior to disasters. Recovery is comprised of different phases and each phase has its own requirements. Pre-disaster recovery plans could identify the role of governmental and other organizations, such as community-based organizations. The concept of pre-event recovery planning is built on the recognition that much can be done before an event happens to facilitate post-event recovery and improve outcomes. The Hanshin Earthquake occurred in Kobe City, Japan in the Hyogo Prefecture, and was the largest earthquake in the country since the Fukui Earthquake of 1948. After the earthquake many residents of Kobe City had to live in evacuation centers as refugees for a long period of time. After the earthquake, community-based organizations called 'machizukuri councils' were formed in many districts of Kobe City. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development contracted the Armanshahr Consulting Company for the construction work.
