Postdisaster relocation and its impacts on family dynamics: a case study of typhoon Ketsana relocation in the Philippines
International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment
ISSN: 1759-5908
Article publication date: 10 August 2022
Issue publication date: 10 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
In the realm of disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts and disaster resilience discipline globally, the impacts of disasters at the family level – especially in terms of interpersonal relationships – remain largely understudied. This paper aims to explore the impacts of postdisaster relocation on the internal dynamics of families in Southville 7 in Calauan, Laguna, Philippines during the aftermath of the 2009 typhoon Ketsana, and endeavors to inform institutional policies to strengthen families’ disaster resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
Purposive sampling was applied in choosing the 20 participating families for the case study of Site III, Southville 7 – a relocation site housing more than 3,000 displaced families from Metro Manila during typhoon Ketsana. Data gathering methods such as semistructured interviews and personal observations were used during fieldwork, the findings of which were coded to reveal the study’s analytical themes.
Findings
Research findings reveal that the impacts of postdisaster relocation to family dynamics could be classified into seven broad categories: family composition and structure; members’ roles; parenting; parents’ marital relationship; familial relationship; family member’s personalities; and death and disabilities. The interplay between these impacts results in either stronger overall family cohesion or further relational ruptures.
Originality/value
By spotlighting the impacts of disasters on overall family dynamics in the context of postdisaster relocation, this study seeks to elevate the place of the family in the DRR and disaster resilience discourse.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their gratitude to Dr Philip Vaughter; Vivian, our field coordinator; Nicco, our research assistant; the UNU-IAS Administration; the UNU Rector’s Office for funding this research; and the families of Southville 7 for letting us in their homes and sharing with us a piece of their lives.
Citation
Samonte, P. and Djalante, R. (2024), "Postdisaster relocation and its impacts on family dynamics: a case study of typhoon Ketsana relocation in the Philippines", International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 158-173. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-02-2022-0022
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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