The elements of asset-based approach in the flood recovery process.

Abstract

In the event of recovery after the flood disasters, public order and welfare are of key importance for the institutions. Hence, community involvement via an asset-based approach is paramount to ensure that the holistic recovery of the community can be achieved. Through an asset-based approach, the vulnerability of the community can be diminished by concentrating on the strength and capability of the community to steer away from the disaster's impacts once it occurs, without being dependent only on government assistance. It is essential to not only focus on the tangible assets of the community but also their intangible assets to assist the community and the institutions in facing the disaster's impacts. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the elements of the asset-based approach that may assist institutions in the recovery process of flood-affected areas, with a focus on three districts in three Malaysian states. These states are Kuala Krai (Kelantan), Kemaman (Terengganu) and Kuantan (Pahang). The data is collected through a focus group discussion with the agencies involved in the recovery process of the victims by utilizing the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). The data collected is later analysed by using content analysis through Nvivo software. Four themes emerge from the data analysis highlighting the importance of community assets and their involvement in the process. Four essential elements identified in the study to assist the institutions in the process are resources, methods, functions, and evaluation. These elements are crucial to the development of the institutional framework that may help the victims' recovery process.