The duration of disaster displacement: a review of the state of knowledge

This report reviews the current state of knowledge on the duration of disaster-induced displacement, with a particular focus on how long individuals and communities remain displaced after events like floods and typhoons. It analyzes global literature, case studies, and data from organizations such as IDMC, emphasizing the complex interplay between personal, environmental, and institutional factors that shape displacement timelines. The study aims to enhance understanding of the drivers behind prolonged displacement and support more effective policy and planning.

Findings suggest that the duration of disaster displacement is shaped by a combination of housing damage, loss of income, and access to basic services. Factors like land ownership, social networks, and government response critically affect whether displaced individuals return, relocate, or remain in limbo. Long-term displacement becomes more likely where there is inadequate insurance, delayed infrastructure repair, and limited economic opportunity. Case studies from the Philippines and Pakistan illustrate how repeated hazards and insufficient recovery planning can entrench displacement. The study underscores the need for targeted data collection, financial inclusion, and policies that support diverse recovery paths to reduce protracted displacement.