Catastrophic Post-disaster Long-term Recovery Planning: A Capacity and Needs Assessment of the Oregon Coast
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Date
2008-06
Authors
Pearce, Jennifer E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Planning, Public Policy & Management, University of Oregon
Abstract
Experts say that the Oregon coast has a 10-20% chance of facing a region wide catastrophic Cascadia
Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami in the next 50 years. Coastal cities will be severely affected
physically, economically and socially. Research indicates that communities can recover more easily if they
identify ahead of time strategic priorities for how they will rebuild, restore, improve and grow in the
aftermath of a catastrophic disaster. However, currently there is no plan for how the Oregon coast will
recover from a Cascadia event.
In order to identify what opportunities and challenges coastal communities currently face in planning for
catastrophic post-disaster long-term recovery a capacity and needs assessment was conducted of the thirtytwo
incorporated cities along the coast. Findings indicated that staff time is stretched; funding, scientific data,
disaster expertise and local knowledge about post-disaster long-term recovery planning and integrated
emergency management are limited. In addition some indicated that using partnership can be challenging but
all communities used partnerships to achieve their goals.
The assessment also revealed several opportunities that can be built upon to assist communities in building
their capacity to develop catastrophic post-disaster long-term recovery plans. First, coastal communities have
similar concerns and will face similar issues after a catastrophic event and therefore have a vested interest in
working with one another. Second, communities are prioritizing disaster planning related activities and are
increasingly seeing the importance of planning ahead for a catastrophic disaster. Lastly, communities already
have existing relationships within the community, between communities, and at all levels of government.
Over 65% indicated an interest in networking with regional groups to assist them in planning for catastrophic
post-disaster long-term recovery planning. In order to facilitate this interest and the need to increase local
capacity to plan for catastrophic events, the recommendations outline integrated emergency management
activities in the public, private sectors and at all levels of government. This integrated approach will increase
the capacity of local jurisdictions, regional areas and the state to plan for a catastrophic event by increasing
information exchange, knowledge about emergency planning, standardizing procedures and make efficient
use of resources statewide.
Description
Project committee: Andre Leduc, chair,
Dr. Jean Stockard,
Krista Dillon
Keywords
Oregon coast, Cascadia Subduction Zone, Disaster planning, Disaster recovery planning