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Challenges of Post‑Landslide Reconstruction in Hosseinabad Kalpush Village, Semnan Province, following the 2019 Landslide.”
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Seyed Amirhossein Garakani *  , Sekineh Pir Bavaghar |
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Abstract: (9 Views) |
Objective: Reconstruction of rural settlements exposed to active landslides faces multidimensional challenges due to uncertainty of hazard occurrence reasons, strong place attachment of residents, and institutional complexities. The objective of this study is to identify and analyze the physical, social, economic, and institutional challenges of the reconstruction process in Hoseynabad Kalpush Village, Semnan Province, following the landslides of 2018–2019, and to extract lessons learned for improving the quality of post-disaster reconstruction interventions in rural settlements exposed to similar hazards
Method: This study adopts a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observations and site visits to the damaged settlement and the development site, as well as a review of technical and managerial documents and reports. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on their roles and experiences in the reconstruction process. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis, including open coding, axial coding, and the extraction of final themes. Data triangulation and participant validation were employed to enhance the credibility of the findings.
Results: The findings indicate that uncertainty regarding landslide stabilization and uncertainty about the hazard, as root causes, led to delays in technical decision-making, prolonged uncertainty in relocation or in-situ reconstruction of housing units, and disruptions in the reconstruction timeline. The shortage of suitable land, constraints in site and housing unit design, unfavorable climatic conditions, and rising construction costs reduced the pace of project implementation. In the social dimension, lack of transparency and distrust toward responsible institutions—particularly concerning the origin of the landslide—resulted in reduced community participation, increased social tensions, and the weakening of social capital. From an economic perspective, inflation, rising construction material prices, and insufficient reconstruction loans undermined household financial capacity, leading to prolonged residential uncertainty and delays in housing completion.
Conclusions: The results demonstrate that reconstruction in areas exposed to active landslides is not merely a technical process, but requires an integrated approach that simultaneously addresses physical, social, economic, and institutional dimensions. Transparency of information, institutional coordination, strengthening community participation and social trust, and the use of interdisciplinary expertise are essential requirements for sustainable reconstruction in vulnerable rural settlements. The experience of Hoseynabad Kalpush provides a practical framework for improving post-disaster reconstruction policies and programs.
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Article number: 2 |
| Keywords: Post-disaster reconstruction, Rural Relocation, Landslide, Hoseynabad Kalpush Village |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/02/15 | Accepted: 2026/02/15 | Published: 2026/02/15
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