Finding 3: Short-term responses

Local government response to displacement is focused on the short-term and single hazards.

The perceived largest threats or risks by local governments are dominated by hazards such as flash floods (21.8%), drought (10.6%), and conflict (7%). This could be an indication of their more detailed knowledge of hazards in the area and their mandate to respond when hazards become disasters. Those displaced because of poor economic conditions have highlighted flash floods (27%) and drought (13%) as their biggest perceived threat. 

Key threats

Those displaced by disasters, social hazards and ‘other’ have cited a lack of access to basic services (20%), flash floods (15%), poor sanitation facilities (14%) and poverty (11%) as key threats, but also remain concerned by the threat/risk of ongoing conflict and insecurity. 

Different perspectives on threats to displaced persons

This highlights that there is a clear difference of opinion between local government representatives and displaced populations on the threats facing them, and who are dealing with challenges long after the main event. The map above highlights government relocation in Indonesia due to flooding, but leaves populations at risk of new hazards as they are now living on ground with dangerous material flow.