Early recovery in Bangladesh

On 15 November 2007, cyclone Sidr, a category 4 storm, struck Bangladesh. The accompanying storm surge breached coastal and river embankments. This caused flooding in low-lying lands and extensive physical destruction. Approximately nine million people were affected: 3,400 people died, more than 50,000 people were injured, and 1.5 million homes were destroyed or badly damaged. The Government of Bangladesh mounted a massive response to the disaster. Coordination groups were set up  to facilitate a coordinated approach between international and national agencies and the government. Read more...

Lessons learned from recovery in Lebanon

The aftereffects of the 2006 July-August conflict in Lebanon are still being felt. The impact was severe, with 1,200 deaths, one million people displaced, more than 100,000 homes damaged, 1.2 million cluster bombs unexploded and almost 15,000 tons of oil spilled along the Lebanese coastline. The economic loss from these hostilities was also severe, with 0 percent GDP growth in 2006 (compared with 6 percent projected growth prior to the conflict) and a meager 2.5 percent growth in 2007. The overall cost of reconstruction was estimated at $2.8 billion, of which $2 billion is committed. Read more...

Rule of law and early recovery

Working on rule of law in an early recovery context helps national stakeholders respond to immediate needs while also laying the building blocks for full-fledged recovery when the security and political situation stabilizes. It offers opportunities to address justice and security priorities during ongoing crisis and immediate post-crisis situations and to ensure a continuum between relief and development efforts. Read more...