Disaster recovery is significantly affected by funding availability. The timeliness and quality of recovery activities are not only impacted by the extent of the funding but also the mechanisms with which funding is prioritised, allocated and delivered. This research addresses the impact of funding mechanisms on the effectiveness and efficiency of post-disaster demolition and debris management programmes. A qualitative assessment of the impacts on recovery of different funding sources and mechanisms was carried out, using the 2010 Canterbury Earthquake as well as other recent international events as case studies. The impacts assessed include: timeliness, completeness, environmental, economic and social impacts. Of the case studies investigated, the Canterbury Earthquake was the only disaster response to rely solely on a privatised approach to insurance for debris management. Due to the low level of resident displacement and low level of hazard in the waste, this was a satisfactory approach, though not ideal. This approach has led to greater organisational complexity and delays. For many other events, the potential community wide impacts caused by the prolonged presence of disaster debris means that publicly funded and centrally facilitated programmes appear to be the most common and effective method of managing disaster waste.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "A concrete crusher with workmen salvaging reinforcing steel from the debris, Hereford Street".
Recycling is often employed as part of a disaster waste management system. However, the feasibility, method and effectiveness of recycling varies between disaster events. This qualitative study is based on literature reviews, expert interviews and active participatory research of five international disaster events in developed countries (2009 Victorian Bushfires, Australia; 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, Italy; 2005 Hurricane Katrina, United States; 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, New Zealand; 2011 Great East Japan earthquake) to answer three questions: What are the main factors that affect the feasibility of recycling post-disaster? When is on-site or off-site separation more effective? What management approaches improve recycling effectiveness? Seven disaster-specific factors need to be assessed to determine the feasibility of disaster waste recycling programmes: volume of waste; degree of mixing of waste; human and environmental health hazards; areal extent of the waste; community priorities; funding mechanisms; and existing and disaster-specific regulations. The appropriateness of on or off-site waste separation depends on four factors: time constraints; resource availability; degree of mixing of waste and human and public health hazards. Successful recycling programmes require good management including clear and well enforced policies (through good contracts or regulations) and pre-event planning. Further research into post-disaster recycling markets, funding mechanisms and recycling in developing countries is recommended.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "This container is placed vertically against the building and filled with debris - Madras Street".
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "This container is placed vertically against the building and filled with debris - Madras Street".
The wind is picking up in Christchurch, causing concern about dust storms being blown up from earthquake debris and silt.
A damaged column visible through a cordon fence on Hereford Street. Debris from the column sits on the pavement below.
The timeliness and quality of recovery activities are impacted by the organisation and human resourcing of the physical works. This research addresses the suitability of different resourcing strategies on post-disaster demolition and debris management programmes. This qualitative analysis primarily draws on five international case studies including 2010 Canterbury earthquake, 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, 2009 Samoan Tsunami, 2009 Victorian Bushfires and 2005 Hurricane Katrina. The implementation strategies are divided into two categories: collectively and individually facilitated works. The impacts of the implementation strategies chosen are assessed for all disaster waste management activities including demolition, waste collection, transportation, treatment and waste disposal. The impacts assessed include: timeliness, completeness of projects; and environmental, economic and social impacts. Generally, the case studies demonstrate that detritus waste removal and debris from major repair work is managed at an individual property level. Debris collection, demolition and disposal are generally and most effectively carried out as a collective activity. However, implementation strategies are affected by contextual factors (such as funding and legal constraints) and the nature of the disaster waste (degree of hazardous waste, geographical spread of waste etc.) and need to be designed accordingly. Community involvement in recovery activities such as demolition and debris removal is shown to contribute positively to psychosocial recovery.
A sign for the Antique Store on the footpath of Salisbury Street, amongst broken glass and debris from the building above.
A sign for the Antique Store on the footpath of Salisbury Street, amongst broken glass and debris from the building above.
The world's first remote-operated digger will enter and undertake internal cleanup inside Christchurch's iconic Cathedral.
A dusty bottle sits on top of a partially demolished wall. The photographer comments, "The Ozone used to be a popular bar in its day and somehow this bottle must have literally fallen through the cracks.
A sign on the fence at St John's Church in Hororata reads "Warning. Beware of fallen debris and unstable structures in cemetery".
A photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Demolition debris piled in front of the Brannigans building during the course of its demolition".
A photograph of the earthquake damaged Persian Tea Rooms on Lincoln Road. Bricks and debris from the building's collapsed roof cover the footpath.
A photograph of the earthquake damaged Persian Tea Rooms on Lincoln Road. Bricks and debris from the building's collapsed roof cover the footpath.
Members of a Search and Rescue team on a footpath in Christchurch. Bricks and fallen debris can be seen in front of them.
A photograph of the earthquake-damaged Persian Tea Rooms on Lincoln Road. Bricks and debris from the building's collapsed roof cover the footpath.
A digger sits beside rubble from a demolished building on the corner of Bealey Avenue and Springfield Road. The photographer comments, "Demolition debris".
A photograph of Sullivans, Boogies Nights and Shooters on Manchester Street. Two skips sit outside for the collection of rubble and other debris.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Gloucester/Manchester Street intersection (south-west corner) - containers are used to protect workers from debris falling in aftershocks".
The gutted Canterbury Pacific Trust building on Worcester Street, viewed from behind security fencing. Desks and other debris can be seen at the entrance.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Cashel Mall".
There were angry scenes at a Christchurch meeting last night as residents tried to stop a dump for earthquake debris being built in their suburb.
Debris from a fallen house lying among rocks at the base of the cliff above Peacock's Gallop. Above, other houses teeter on the cliff edge.
Debris from a fallen house lying among rocks at the base of the cliff above Peacock's Gallop. Above, other houses teeter on the cliff edge.
Debris from a fallen house lying among rocks at the base of the cliff above Peacock's Gallop. Above, other houses teeter on the cliff edge.
A video of a press conference with Gerry Brownlee announcing a CERA review which will change the zoning of 270 Port Hills properties. Brownlee announces that 247 properties will change from green zoned to red zoned and 33 properties will change from red zoned to green zoned. The properties that have been rezoned red have an unacceptable level of life risk from cliff collapse and the potential of debris inundation.
Several rats that represent 'looters' scramble among the debris left after the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011. Published in The Press Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The badly damaged Cranmer Courts Building on the corner of Montreal and Kilmore Streets . The front window and archway has crumbled, rubble and debris littering the footpath below.