Community participation refers to the active involvement of individuals, groups, and local institutions in identifying problems, making decisions, planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating activities that affect their lives. In the context of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and recovery after disasters, community participation is essential because the affected people possess firsthand knowledge of local conditions, available resources, cultural practices, vulnerabilities, and priorities. Their participation ensures that recovery efforts are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the actual needs of the community rather than assumptions made by external agencies. Community participation strengthens ownership of recovery programmes. When people contribute to planning and implementation, they develop a sense of responsibility toward maintaining reconstructed infrastructure and community assets. It also promotes transparency, accountability, trust, and cooperation among government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and local residents. Participation empowers vulnerable groups such as women, children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities by giving them a voice in decision-making processes. One important approach is the top-down approach, in which government authorities or external organizations design and implement recovery programmes with limited community involvement. This approach is useful when immediate action is required after a disaster, such as restoring essential services, clearing debris, or providing emergency shelters. However, it often overlooks local priorities and may result in solutions that are not sustainable or culturally appropriate. The bottom-up approach emphasizes