Prospects and constraints of post-cyclone housing reconstruction in Vanuatu drawing from the experience of tropical cyclone Harold
Autor
r Ahmed, Iftekha
Garde, Murray
McDonnell, Ted
Institución
Resumen
Vanuatu is one of the countries in the world most at risk from natural hazards. This Pacific
island country is frequently struck by ferocious tropical cyclones, such as Cyclone Harold in April
2020, causing massive devastation to the housing sector; nearly 21,000 houses were destroyed and
damaged by the cyclone. Drawing from the literature and communications with local stakeholders,
five main thematic aspects were analysed: nature of the impact of cyclones on housing; key
challenges for post-cyclone housing reconstruction in Vanuatu; cyclone-resistant construction
approaches; post-Harold housing reconstruction initiatives; and key opportunities. Of particular
significance is the dilemma posed by traditional versus ‘modern’ approaches to design and
construction for post-disaster reconstruction. There are many guidelines available for cycloneresistant housing, but they face barriers to dissemination and application, and whether they are
necessarily appropriate in the cultural context of Vanuatu is examined. Vanuatu faces a difficult
situation in the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it can be
expected that the reconstruction will be a protracted process.