Abstract

Housing is essential to the well- being and development of most societies. It is a complex asset, with links to livelihoods, health, education, security, and social and family stability. Housing acts as a social centre for families, a source of pride and cultural identity, and a resource of both political and economic importance. Housing is one of the most affected areas of the built environment when a hazard strikes and has an influence on the development of future risks. The destruction of homes or their loss through displacement or dispossession is one of the most visible effects of disaster. Furthermore, the result of disasters in housing has economic and social impacts because it affects many aspects of daily life, such as local businesses, employment, health, school attendance, and transportation among others. Moreover, the loss of housing stock has implications that go beyond the loss of a building. Houses provide more than shelter but human dignity, security, personal safety, and protection from the climate and diseases as well as cultural identity. Therefore, when houses are affected by any type of disaster, the consequences have repercussions on other aspects of life. Consequently, the reduction of risks and adaptation of housing to future environmental changes, short- term and long- term, is relevant, because it influences many interlinked aspects of daily life and also other sectors.