Converging together to confront multiple intersecting and cascading disasters: a network of mutual aid approach

Purpose The Disaster Justice Network (DJN) is a volunteer network that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to lend support and share critical information that was not easily accessed for the 2020 and 2021 Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta and Ida recovery processes in coastal Louisiana. We discuss lessons learned on navigating challenges, questions and the possibilities for reducing harms and how these insights potentially transfer to other webs of mutual aid and hubs for community-driven actions focused on equitable and just disaster preparedness and recovery. Design/methodology/approach We employ an ongoing, iterative, non-linear process to nurture visions of a rejuvenated future based on the support of human and environmental rights. DJN draws from a community-based participatory action approach to develop and share strategies for achieving a justice-centered disaster preparedness and recovery process. Findings This initiative exposed the racism, violence and erasure of historied communities of color occurring through the official response process. It further brought to the public light the unjust, inequitable and harmful official recovery responses and what is urgently needed to support evacuees and survivors, moving towards a more just recovery process for future disasters. By understanding the historical context and complexities of co-occurring disasters and violence across space and time and what is required to mitigate the effect of these human-caused violations of humanity, we can begin to forcefully address the root causes of harm to more successful ends. Originality/value In all, DJN develops strategies to address inequitable disaster response and recovery, confront multiple intersecting and cascading disasters and pave the way for a better future together. This article's authors intend to offer our insights on this process and engage and learn collectively to advance justice-centered disaster planning, preparedness and recovery processes.