How narratives shape disaster recovery: the ‘disaster representation space’ in Tamil Nadu, India

How can long-term disaster recovery be made more effective and inclusive? This question is central to research and practice on disaster management, with emerging calls for understanding how certain recovery priorities and processes gain prominence, often with very different outcomes for people impacted by disasters. Using empirical evidence from Tamil Nadu in South India, we explore the representation of disasters in three areas: how the disaster-triggering hazard itself is represented, how disaster-affected populations are represented and are able to represent themselves, and how recovery from disasters is represented. To do this we draw on three disasters that have occurred over the past quarter of a century: the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the South Indian Floods, and Cyclone Gaja. Using multiple lines of data, including multi-stakeholder interviews, and participatory group discussions, we demonstrate the crucial role that representation plays in influencing recovery processes and outcomes. We synthesise the empirical findings through the ‘disaster representation space’ where representations from disaster frontlines are juxtaposed with top-down narratives and those brokered by intermediaries. We argue that conferring greater representational power and agency on populations that are typically marginalised can contribute to more positive, inclusive and long-term recovery outcomes.