Challenges facing the relocated communities following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: A study in Indonesia

Abstract

Post-disaster relocation is likely to disrupt the lives of those displaced by disasters. Separation from their previous environment and social relations also impact the displaced communities to recover and assume normal livelihoods. This paper investigates the challenges faced by the relocated communities to resume their livelihood following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Questionnaire and in-depth interviews were conducted on two relocation sites in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. It found that access to previous income and livelihood sources has been a prominent issue experienced by the relocated households. Lack of infrastructure, such as water utilities and public transportation, has added to the difficulty in the recovery of their livelihood. While the Government and NGOs livelihood supports in terms of cash grants and working tolls played a significant role in the short term, there is a need for diverse livelihood support strategies and a coherent/cohesive community spirit to increase the ability for livelihood recovery. This article highlights the importance of introducing targeted employment generation programmes, such as vocational training or business enhancement credit, in assisting the post-disaster housing relocation.