During which post-disaster phase do survivors begin to reconstruct their lives?

The Reconstruction/Recovery Phase is a critical stage following a disaster when survivors begin to rebuild and restore their lives. During this phase, efforts focus on long-term recovery, which includes physical rebuilding of homes and infrastructure, as well as mental and emotional healing for individuals and communities impacted by the disaster.

This phase is characterized by the establishment of support systems, the mobilization of resources for rebuilding efforts, and the development of plans to restore normalcy in daily life. Survivors start to engage in activities that help reestablish their previous way of living while also finding ways to adapt for future resilience against potential disasters. This encompasses a wide range of activities, such as securing housing, restoring utilities, and accessing psychological support services, which play a pivotal role in the overall healing process.

The other phases mentioned—Mitigation, Response, and Preparedness—do not primarily focus on this rebuilding aspect. Mitigation involves steps taken to reduce the impact of potential disasters, while the Response Phase is about immediate assistance and relief efforts during and right after a disaster occurs. The Preparedness Phase focuses on planning and training to effectively respond to disasters before they happen, rather than addressing recovery after a disaster has already occurred. Thus, the Reconstruction/Recovery Phase is identified as the