Disasters and development. A case study from Peru

When the Alto Mayo region of Peru was struck by an earthquake, in May 1990, the official response to the disaster did not provide an effective solution. An alternative approach, based on active participation by community organizations in planning and managing the response, and integrating disaster mitigation within the context of wider regional development, proved much more successful. This case from Peru shows that the coping abilities of disaster survivors are often underestimated by the authorities and prove to be an essential resource in reconstruction. It may be a useful example for other disaster locations with a strong presence of community organizations.