Effectiveness of Reconstruction and Migration of Residents Following Typhoon Morakot -Examining Kaohsiung City's Shanlin Da Ai Community, Xiaolin Village, and Maya Village

Kaohsiung City was the region of Taiwan most severely affected in the aftermath of Typhoon Morakot, with the greatest number of victims. The most important issue the government must face is how to efficiently rebuild residences in the disaster area. The government must also care for the psychological adjustment, social organization, employment development, and cultural continuity of the residents after they are moved to safe regions. A home reconstruction model was created for the special reconstruction conditions after Typhoon Morakot: The government acquires land and builds and maintains public facilities, while allowing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to build permanent residences through private donations. These permanent residences, restricted by the principle of partial property disposition, are donated to the residents of the disaster zone free of charge. This study uses interviews with residents and policy cross-analysis to investigate three migration models within Kaohsiung City: those of Shanlin Da Ai Community, Xiaolin Village, and Maya Village. The distribution of labor and models for cooperation between the local government, private NGOs, and resident reconstruction organizations are described from the dimensions of residential resettlement, community development, and cultural preservation. In addition, we examine the effectiveness of the implementation of permanent housing policies and the new problems resulting from them, along with the feedback, opinions, and reactions of residents toward the permanent housing rebuilding models. Analyzing the strategies revealed that: (1) The concentrated permanent housing construction model for multiethnic groups in a new location, Da Ai Village in the Shanlin District, has great potential for community development. Although the overall cost was the highest yet, the reconstruction project provided an opportunity for creating new industry types and employment opportunities. However, concerns about the different standards of living of various ethnicities persist, which could lead to difficulties in inhabitant consensus and a hindrance to community development. (2) Single ethnic group, dispersed permanent housing construction model, Xiaolin Village; the relocation site was decided by respecting the autonomous wishes of the inhabitants. There was the highest level of inhabitant satisfaction and a high level of consensus for the inhabitants of the community. However, relocation was spread over three sites, and the community naturally developed into three organizations with distinct focuses on development. The government's continued promotion is still necessary to conserve the Xiaolin traditional Pingpu culture. (3) The overall cost of individual reconstruction at the original location model, the Maya Platform, was the lowest; but inhabitants have acclimatized more successfully and demonstrate high individuality with the housing