Research on Postearthquake Rural Housing Reconstruction and Subsequent Evaluation in Dujiangyan on the 15th Anniversary of the Wenchuan Earthquake

Postdisaster housing reconstruction is a long-term process that includes planning, rebuilding, relocation, and evaluation. True insights into the living conditions of disaster survivors emerge only in the later stages of reconstruction. However, short-term rebuilding and resettlement often attract more attention, while the long-term outcomes are frequently overlooked. This paper, based on the researchers’ extensive involvement in the post-Wenchuan Earthquake reconstruction in Dujiangyan City, uses data from the local government’s reconstruction management committee for policy review, spatial analysis, and resettlement benefit evaluation. Field research, surveys, and household interviews were conducted in five rural communities to assess the policies, implementation, and outcomes of the reconstruction. The results showed that: (1) during the reconstruction period following the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake, the reconstruction efforts in rural areas exhibited relatively good completion rates and short-term resettlement benefits but limited survivor participation and challenges in livelihood recovery in the later stages; (2) despite low perceived benefits in participation and livelihood recovery, survivors showed high overall satisfaction, likely due to insufficient postearthquake funds and energy among the survivors, strong government intervention, and support for reconstruction policies; (3) livelihood sustainability of relocated residents needs more attention, as many lost access to farming and faced increased living costs; and (4) even when the same reconstruction model is applied, there can be significant differences in the implementation of reconstruction across different communities. unified planning self-reconstruction model tends to increase survivors’ financial and energy costs but also allows for greater participation and freedom, making it easier for residents to adapt to postreconstruction life. In contrast, government-led unified planning model often requires lower direct financial costs from the survivors, but offers limited participation and freedom, with the reconstruction process more heavily influenced by government decisions. As a result, the effectiveness of reconstruction may vary significantly between communities, posing challenges for effective government planning and decision-making.