Session 2.3 - Beyond Shelter

The disaster resulted in approximately 5,800 fatalities and 39,000 injuries. The scale of destruction was extensive, with 359,000 to 578,000 houses damaged or destroyed, leading to significant displacement of the affected population. The affected areas experienced severe damage, with 36% of housing in the most impacted region damaged or destroyed, compared to 34% in Aceh. The disaster highlighted the need for an efficient and effective response, given the limited resources available. International organizations and local authorities collaborated to provide relief and support, leveraging local technical assistance and expertise. The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) played a significant role in the response efforts, providing basic design and funding for 12,000 shelters. These shelters served as a model for the construction of an additional 140,000 units. The World Bank also contributed to the reconstruction efforts, using its reconstruction funds and OFDA's intellectual property to support the construction of 24,000 transitional shelters. The response efforts were characterized by a multi-sectoral approach, reflecting the complex nature of the disaster and its impact on the affected communities. Shelter provision was not only a critical component of the response but also a key tool in reducing the economic and social impacts of the disaster. The use of local materials and expertise in the construction of shelters helped to promote livelihoods and support the recovery of affected communities. The disaster highlighted the importance of a settlements strategy that is shelter-led, multi-sectoral, opportunistic, and cognizant of gender, environment, local organizations, and social relations. Such an approach can help to link relief and developmental concerns, making the response efforts more effective and sustainable in the long term.