Increase in community cohesion during the disaster recovery phase

Particularly in the recovery phase, Maltese participants also highlighted the potential for an increase in community cohesion: “After something has happened you see communities uniting […] If there is a carpenter he could help someone else by making furniture, an electrician can help someone else by working on their electricity, a plumber working on water. Many times, communities after a disaster like this unite.”

Cultural Factors: Social networks

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: Government, Local authorities

Recommendations:

• Develop guidelines for disaster practitioners that take into consideration the different needs of and approaches to different ethnical groups
• Foster social connectedness and the development of a strong sense of community, as these encourage citizens to help each other in disaster situations