In the Shadow of the Myanmar Earthquake: The Israeli Government Publishes a Report on Preparation for Long-Term Post-Earthquake Rehabilitation, Closely Related to October 7
Mar 3, 2025
By: Itzick Simon
In May 2022, when the Director General of the Prime Minister's Office was tasked with formulating a long-term rehabilitation plan after an earthquake (Government Decision No. 1523), no one imagined that the government ministries would draw up raw material for dealing with a real and tangible disaster that would hit Israel, in the events of October 7th.
The report, which was prepared through joint work of teams and was published about a year ago, also stands out as the first document of its kind at the international level. Below is a brief overview of the main points, including a link to the full version.
The announcement comes after a series of earthquakes in our region in the past year, which have highlighted the need for government preparedness for disaster recovery. Similarly, these days, the entire world is being exposed to the magnitude of the damage caused by the earthquake in Myanmar, where the death toll has already passed the 2,000 mark and continues to climb as the clearing of rubble continues.
By: Itzick Simon
In May 2022, when the Director General of the Prime Minister's Office was tasked with formulating a long-term rehabilitation plan after an earthquake (Government Decision No. 1523), no one imagined that the government ministries would draw up raw material for dealing with a real and tangible disaster that would hit Israel, in the events of October 7th.
The report, which was prepared through joint work of teams and was published about a year ago, also stands out as the first document of its kind at the international level. Below is a brief overview of the main points, including a link to the full version.
The announcement comes after a series of earthquakes in our region in the past year, which have highlighted the need for government preparedness for disaster recovery. Similarly, these days, the entire world is being exposed to the magnitude of the damage caused by the earthquake in Myanmar, where the death toll has already passed the 2,000 mark and continues to climb as the clearing of rubble continues.
Two years of work in collaboration with representatives of all government ministries
The Prime Minister's Office was required, as stated, to lead an inter-ministerial team that would formulate an operational plan for long-term rehabilitation following earthquakes. The state took the matter seriously, and the report's editors note that " in-depth, broad-ranging, and comprehensive government preparation for long-term rehabilitation, prior to the occurrence of an earthquake, is exceptional by international comparison " (emphasis not in the original).
Israel is therefore among the first countries in the world to currently have a comprehensive plan even before a significant earthquake occurs, relying on experience gained in countries such as Japan, New Zealand, Chile and the United States.
Over the past two years, intensive staff work has taken place under the leadership of the Prime Minister's Office, with the cooperation of representatives of all government ministries and five different working teams. The report submitted includes recommendations in many areas related to physical, social, and economic rehabilitation after a disaster.
The report emphasizes that early preparation for long-term rehabilitation also allows for the exploitation of crises as opportunities , and advance planning helps formulate more effective organizational, budgetary, and legislative solutions. One of the models mentioned time and again is the BBB concept, which stands for Build Back Better.
The Prime Minister's Office was required, as stated, to lead an inter-ministerial team that would formulate an operational plan for long-term rehabilitation following earthquakes. The state took the matter seriously, and the report's editors note that " in-depth, broad-ranging, and comprehensive government preparation for long-term rehabilitation, prior to the occurrence of an earthquake, is exceptional by international comparison " (emphasis not in the original).
Israel is therefore among the first countries in the world to currently have a comprehensive plan even before a significant earthquake occurs, relying on experience gained in countries such as Japan, New Zealand, Chile and the United States.
Over the past two years, intensive staff work has taken place under the leadership of the Prime Minister's Office, with the cooperation of representatives of all government ministries and five different working teams. The report submitted includes recommendations in many areas related to physical, social, and economic rehabilitation after a disaster.
The report emphasizes that early preparation for long-term rehabilitation also allows for the exploitation of crises as opportunities , and advance planning helps formulate more effective organizational, budgetary, and legislative solutions. One of the models mentioned time and again is the BBB concept, which stands for Build Back Better.
The document was written in the shadow of the "Iron Swords" war and emphasizes the connection between earthquake preparedness in Israel and the issue of strengthening structures against security threats ( a topic we have dealt with quite a bit, see here ). The report's editors did not expect this, but their work served as effective background material for dealing with the events of October 7th.
For example, the work that was carried out formed a significant basis for the establishment of the "Tekuma" Directorate, contributed to the planning of the reconstruction of the North and the management of other disaster events. The plan was formulated in collaboration with hundreds of elements from government ministries and beyond, with the accompaniment of international experts and the assistance of Deloitte. Between the work of the headquarters and the correct plans and the implementation in practice - this is a gap that will need to be examined later, when it is already clear that the gap is enormous.
The report offers guiding principles, tools, and flexible mechanisms for dealing with different scenarios, while adapting to the dimensions of destruction and the changing needs of decision-makers. Based on lessons learned from reconstruction processes in other countries, five core teams were established in key areas:
· Organizational infrastructure.
· Urban construction.
· Environment and infrastructure.
· Economy.
· Person and community.
The connection to October 7th
The report's authors recommend establishing a small unit in the Prime Minister's Office that will serve as a sort of "core body" that will operate continuously as a central factor in managing rehabilitation processes after disasters, including earthquakes. The unit should be responsible for developing tools for long-term management and rehabilitation, and will play a leading or guiding role in the rehabilitation process depending on the scope of the disaster.
The report's authors suggest that the unit not be established "ad hoc" only in the event of an earthquake, but rather operate routinely in various tasks. For example, managing interfaces with senior officials in the relevant government ministries and coordinating with government committees dealing with emergency preparedness.
The unit will be able to assist local authorities in formulating local rehabilitation plans and create a normative framework with cooperation between authorities, including coordinated information systems for managing rehabilitation processes.
The Disaster Control Unit in the Prime Minister's Office will be "briefed" and will operate under a dedicated ministerial committee that will be established to handle the event. Its precise functions, including the possibility of establishing a dedicated body to manage the crisis, will be determined according to the extent of the damage. It is emphasized that transparency must be ensured with the public regarding the duration and complexity of the reconstruction process by making reliable information available.
To summarize the issue of organizational infrastructure, the report's editors explain that the rehabilitation process must include joint work with professional entities, gathering information from the field, and engaging the public broadly, using a variety of tools to reach all relevant populations. A dedicated unit may provide the most effective response to this.
Organizational infrastructure for long-term recovery after a disaster
Experience shows that the private market is the most powerful and robust engine for promoting large-scale construction processes. Therefore, the report suggests basing the post-disaster reconstruction processes primarily on free market forces, using existing plans where possible. Of course, in conjunction with the private market, it is possible to "seize" the opportunity to update outdated planning and create models of sustainable construction (BBB).
It is proposed that state involvement focus primarily on planning, marketing vacant land, and providing assistance in areas where the private market cannot provide economic solutions for rehabilitation. In order to streamline the construction and renewal processes, adjustments must be made to the structure of planning institutions' powers, strengthen them with additional professional personnel, and create a balance between the need for quick solutions and ensuring long-term quality planning and construction.
It is important to allow professional personnel to be deployed between authorities to support those that have been severely affected. Local urban renewal departments will play a central role in the rehabilitation of destroyed buildings and neighborhoods. It is worth examining legal relief regarding property agreements in shared buildings, along with establishing a dedicated court to resolve real estate disputes related to rehabilitation.
In cases of difficulties in obtaining appropriate insurance for projects, it is desirable for the state to know how to step into the vacuum and provide appropriate solutions.
Finally, it is proposed to prepare for the creation of bilateral agreements and closed tenders that will ensure the strengthening of the construction industry's workforce and the regular import of raw materials essential for the reconstruction processes.
Urban development according to the "BBB" model
Earthquakes damage national infrastructure and cause extensive destruction of vital systems such as electricity, water, and roads, which leads to delays in restoration and the interruption of basic services to the population. As it has been said, " This infrastructure constitutes the basis for the proper functioning of the State of Israel, and the damage resulting from an earthquake constitutes a real threat to the disruption of this function ."
In order to deal with these challenges, it is recommended to formulate work plans in advance that will ensure immediate and effective restoration of infrastructure, while maintaining order, preventing duplication, and maximizing resources.
Similarly, after a disaster, it is necessary to deal with large volumes of construction waste, and the first step to this is to create an organized plan for its treatment, including legislation to regulate its treatment. A body responsible for coordinating the implementation of infrastructure must be established, which will synchronize all the parties involved and prevent delays.
In the field of planning, it is necessary to map the sites that require an approved plan and strengthen the powers of planning institutions. It is important that all physical rehabilitation plans be based on principles of sustainable development and preservation of the natural environment.
Environment and National Infrastructure
An important aspect of long-term rehabilitation after disasters is financial and economic planning, which includes support not only for rehabilitation but also for the economic aspects of the public and businesses. Cooperation must be ensured between the various parties in the economic system to formulate effective solutions that will accelerate the process and help those affected by the disaster to recover quickly. Many elements in the report also touch on issues that are relevant to us as an insurance agency that has been involved in construction insurance for about 40 years. For example:
· Adjustments to insurance policies – examining changes in the insurance structure, including establishment values, sale of insurance rights and the method of payment, to facilitate the rehabilitation process.
· Insurance transparency – establishing information systems to monitor the insurance status of national and public infrastructures.
· Assistance to individuals and entrepreneurs – formulating solutions that will enable rapid rehabilitation of private properties, including assistance in purchasing necessary contents. Also, examining tools to support entrepreneurs and local authorities to accelerate the rehabilitation of public infrastructure.
· Fast and efficient appraisal – creating a focused appraisal mechanism that will prevent delays and reduce rehabilitation costs.
· Government support and information provision – establishing government support mechanisms that will assist in rehabilitation and ensure effective utilization of resources, along with making information about economic rights accessible.
· Business support - establishing a team that will examine the assistance tools used in the past and formulate recommendations for future preparations for the economic rehabilitation of businesses after disasters.
The financial and economic field
To improve social response after a disaster such as an earthquake, the report's authors recommend establishing a coordinated mechanism between the Ministries of Education, Welfare, and Health at all levels, along with examining the establishment of a single point of contact for citizens to contact relevant services.
A common data system for social ministries should be developed to help synchronize services, promote data-based policies, and reduce bureaucracy. In addition, mechanisms should be formulated to expand the professional workforce, including reserves, collaborations with academia, and incentives to prevent attrition.
The report's editors recommend ensuring the expansion and accessibility of social services in critical areas such as physical and mental health, community rehabilitation, educational support, and assistance in exercising rights.
Person and community
In conclusion,
The government report is a fascinating and data-rich document spanning more than 250 pages. It includes a reduction to the smallest resolutions and answers to many specific issues. Our space here is too short to touch on everything, but we have tried to provide a glimpse of the main points.
You are invited to view the full version and additional articlesin the section on preparing for earthquakes in Israel on the Itzick Simon Insurance Agency website, which contains a wealth of information and articles written together with experts in the field.
The government report is a fascinating and data-rich document spanning more than 250 pages. It includes a reduction to the smallest resolutions and answers to many specific issues. Our space here is too short to touch on everything, but we have tried to provide a glimpse of the main points.
You are invited to view the full version and additional articlesin the section on preparing for earthquakes in Israel on the Itzick Simon Insurance Agency website, which contains a wealth of information and articles written together with experts in the field.
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