Panacea or problem: New governance structures for disaster recovery

Abstract

Newly formed post-disaster governance structures are entities vested with special authority and powers that allow them to bypass the established norms and procedures of governance. They are increasingly becoming the normative model for governments to coordinate and execute recovery after catastrophic events. Yet, little is known about the challenges such structures face. Using qualitative data from in-depth interviews and document analysis of legislation, government reports, and news accounts, this paper compares new governance structures that were initiated in Japan and Nepal to ensure that post-disaster long-term recovery efforts were coordinated. We examine the National Reconstruction Agency, established after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan and the National Reconstruction Authority, established after the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake in Nepal. The study finds that the new governance structures were characterized by a number of challenges. These include delays in establishment, confusion over jurisdictional authority, and lack of input from local governments. The paper offers policy recommendations to mitigate such challenges.