During what phase do communities focus on rebuilding after a disaster?

The disaster recovery phase is fundamentally focused on rebuilding and restoring communities following a disaster. During this phase, efforts are concentrated on a wide range of activities aimed at returning the community to its pre-disaster state, as well as improving infrastructure and services to reduce future risks. This phase includes emotional recovery for individuals affected, provision of services such as housing and healthcare, and the rebuilding of essential infrastructure like roads, utilities, and public buildings.

In contrast, the emergency response phase deals with the immediate actions taken to address urgent needs and save lives right after a disaster occurs. The mitigation phase involves long-term strategies to reduce the impact of future disasters, often implemented before a disaster strikes, while the prevention phase focuses on actions to avert disasters entirely. Thus, the disaster recovery phase is distinct and specifically oriented toward rebuilding and recovery in the aftermath of a disaster.