Post-Disaster Housing Vulnerabilities

Cyclone Idai, one of Southern Africa’s most destructive tropical storms, struck Zimbabwe’s Chimanimani region in March 2019, resulting in widespread devastation, displacement, and long-term socio-economic challenges. This study explores the challenges of post-disaster resettlement and reconstruction efforts, focusing on shelter provision, infrastructure rehabilitation, and socio-economic recovery. A qualitative ethnographic research design, incorporating field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and secondary data analysis, was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of response initiatives. The findings reveal a disconnect between emergency housing provisions and the cultural, economic, and environmental contexts of displaced communities and the associated risks. Phase 1 transitional shelters, constructed primarily from timber and corrugated metal, deteriorated rapidly due to poor thermal insulation and exposure to high humidity, necessitating reconsideration of material choices and design strategies. Phase 2 masonry-based permanent housing, while structurally sound, faced significant delays and limited community involvement, further exacerbating the vulnerabilities of the affected populations. The study also assesses the feasibility of prefabricated shelters, which, while offering rapid deployment, present financial and logistical challenges in low-income rural areas where access to industrialized materials is limited. The research highlights the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction principles with culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable housing solutions to improve resilience and support long-term recovery. Recommendations include enhanced stakeholder collaboration, increased use of prefabricated housing, and the adoption of participatory planning frameworks that empower displaced communities in post-disaster rehabilitation. These findings provide valuable insights for developing effective policies for sustainable disaster recovery in vulnerable regions.

Citizen journalism · Disaster risk reduction · Participatory action research · Psychological resilience · Stakeholder · Sustainability · Sustainable development · African studies and sociopolitical issues · Disaster Management and Resilience · Urban and Rural Development Challenges