Hurricane Gilbert strikes Jamaica: Linking disaster recovery to development

This study evaluates long‐term housing recovery in Jamaica following Hurricane Gilbert of 1988. Particular emphasis is placed on the impacts of a large scale housing aid program initiated by international donor agencies and the Jamaican government. Data were obtained through a survey of 240 households in disaster‐stricken areas and through in‐depth open‐ended interviews of key informants. Householders and informants were asked to respond to questions on disaster impacts and recovery strategies used in rebuilding. Implications of the Hurricane Gilbert experience for improving disaster recovery and development efforts are then discussed. Finally, a proposed strategy for developing recovery planning programs, which emphasizes local participation and initiative, is presented.