Recovery encompasses all those activities designed to “address the enduring human, physical, environmental, social and economic consequences of major disasters/ incidents.” Its objective is to rebuild, restore, and rehabilitate the community and all possible disasters’ impacts.

Recovery means that the crises are resolved. The recovery phase begins at the earliest opportunity after the onset of the disaster, running simultaneously with the response phase and continues until disruption has been rectified, demands on services have returned to normal levels, and the needs of those affected (directly or indirectly) have been met. The main component of the recovery are:

•-Recovery of social impact

•-Recovery of economic impact

•-Recovery of health impact

•-Recovery of environmental impact

The common objectives of recovery (and response) are:

•-saving and protecting life;

•-relieving suffering;

•-containing the emergency – limiting its escalation or spread;

•-providing the public with warnings, advice and information;

•-protecting the health and safety of personnel;

•-safeguarding the environment;

•protecting property;

•-maintaining normal services at an appropriate level;

•-promoting and facilitating self-help in the community;

•-facilitating the physical, social, economic and psychological recovery of the community.

From a health perspective the crises are resolved when essential health systems have been repaired and rebuilt, when the major health needs of the most vulnerable populations receive attention and when the health-care environment is secured for both patients and health personnel. To achieve this, a health sector recovery plan is essential. Such plans focus on essential lifelines to those in need, the restoration of services in primary health centres and hospitals, rehabilitation of laboratory services, disease surveillance and public health programmes.