This study is concernedwith the environmental transition that accompanies due to a natural disaster. In the restoration house, adaptation gaps were identified as having to do with the impact of the disaster and the degreeof self-house recovery. Elderly people were especially vulnerable. The trauma of the disaster and "loss of community" rendered them incapable arranging their residential space well. The effects of the relocation increase with severity and duration of exposure to traumatic events and the lack of control over their environment. Successful relocation not only depends on the physical reconstruction of the house, but more importantly, on the victims' active participation in the process of rebuilding their homes.