Hurricanes, reconstruction, and resistance: thinking through vulnerability in the Caribbean

Area of Science:

• Disaster studies
• Humanitarian governance
• Caribbean studies

Background:

• Hurricane Iota caused widespread destruction in the Colombian archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina in 2020.
• Previous hurricanes and reconstruction efforts in the region have historically exposed underlying vulnerabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze the reconstruction process following Hurricane Iota.
• To examine the historical-structural and conjunctural factors influencing the islands' vulnerability and recovery.
• To understand humanitarian governance as a site of contestation.

Main Methods:

• Archival research utilizing diverse sources.
• Theoretical frameworks from Latin American and Caribbean critical thought.
• Analysis drawing from the critical humanitarian field.

Main Results:

• The reconstruction efforts exposed long-standing structural vulnerabilities rooted in coloniality of power.
• Local communities actively engaged in negotiations and actions, challenging centralized reconstruction plans.
• Humanitarian governance emerged as an 'arena of dispute' during the recovery process.

Conclusions:

• Reconstruction priorities and directions are actively negotiated.
• The process offers opportunities to reshape the future trajectory of the islands.
• Addressing coloniality of power is crucial for resilient recovery and development.