Settlement Relocation Related to Natural Hazards: A Comparison Between the Relocation of Aku Jan Village and Avaj County Villages

Natural hazards cause global challenges, leading to both human casualties and financial losses every year around the world and in Iran. Rural areas, in particular, suffer from the consequences of natural hazards due to their physical vulnerability, limited access to resources, and their remote location. One approach to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and their consequences is to relocate the community to a safer location. However, the decision to relocate is a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests and requires thorough research to ensure that relocating the community is the best decision. This paper studies the relocation of Aku Jan village in Qazvin, Iran which was initiated after several natural hazards that occurred in the village including rockfall and flood. Then its relocation is compared with the relocation of several villages in Avaj County, Qazvin. This study employs a qualitative research approach and a comparative method.

Keywords:

Aku Jan Village , Avaj County , Settlement Relocation , Rural Resettlement , Natural Hazard