ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Disaster Communication
Role of Media in Disaster Management
All disaster emergencies and crisis events are chaotic, creating physical, emotional, and social disorder. In such crisis events and emergencies,
communications are critical at all phases of disaster management. Communications during emergencies incorporates a wide range of measures
to manage risks to people and the environment. The media can prove to be of immense use in different phases including pre-disaster, during
disaster and post disaster.
Media in Pre-disaster Communication
Before a disaster hits, the National Disaster Management Authority of
India (NDMA) uses television and radio to broadcast their message of
impending danger and a specific action plan on how the public can stay
safe. Instances such as cyclones, tsunamis, storms, and floods typically
have warning signs, allowing officials hours and possibly days to prepare
beforehand. Officials hold press conferences whenever they receive
updated information about the disaster. Local and national television
networks are notified of the press conferences for regular broadcast.
These press conferences may occur every half hour, every hour, or
sporadically throughout the day, depending upon the urgency of the
situation. Additionally, on-air news programmes broadcast information to
support emergency management’s plans. Special disaster preparedness
news broadcasts air during prime television viewing in an effort to reach
the masses. Some news coverage is interactive and allows the public to
call the station and ask questions on air. Producers will often invite
disaster management professionals to answer on-air questions and present
special information to help the public prepare for the situation.
Media during the disaster
Televised coverage is critical when disaster strikes. To stay safe, the public must
be informed about what to do throughout the disaster. Television during the
disaster may not assist people immediately affected due to power outages.
During hurricanes, nearly everyone in the affected areas loses power. In these
cases, television broadcasting helps to keep others informed about the storm’s
progress, track, and possible damage.
In other cases, such as the 2008 Mumbai attack, national news outlets provided
24-hour coverage of what people should do, where they should go, and who to
call if they suspected a loved one was a victim. The news media also provided
updates on search and recovery efforts and tracked the government’s efforts to
respond to the situation.
Media Post-disaster
Post-disaster coverage is vital to keeping the public informed of
potential safety hazards and business closings. Schools and offices
in the affected area close immediately following a disaster. Local
television news stations broadcast which facilities are closed so
residents can make alternate plans.
Emergency management officials will appear on TV to give
updates concerning service restoration. Television news coverage
may continue as long as there is a threat to public safety.
Disaster Communication
Communication during and immediately after a disaster situation is
an important component of response and recovery in that it
connects affected people, families, and communities with first
responders, support systems, and other family members. Reliable
and accessible communication and information systems are also
key to a community’s resilience.
NDRF
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a specialised
force constituted "for the purpose of specialist response to a
disaster. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is under
the National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA).
The "Apex Body for Disaster Management" in India is the NDMA.
The Chairman of the NDMA is the Prime Minister. The NDMA
was established through the Disaster Management Act enacted by
the Government of India on December 23, 2005.
How Social Media came to the Rescue...
Social media is also slowly turning out to be a life-saving tool during
disasters. It is a complete communication model where a user sends out
information about their location and their situation and receives feedback and
responses from authorities and rescuers. In times of natural disasters, people
tend to use social media for several reasons: to check on family and friends,
seek support, gather news about the magnitude of the disaster; and provide
ground-zero first-hand accounts.
Safety Check: Social media has redefined communication, especially during
emergencies. As Kerala experienced its worst flood in more than 100 years,
which killed many people and left many more homeless, Facebook activated
its special feature "Safety Check," which helped friends and families locate
their near and dear ones. By using this particular feature, users close to the
disaster site can mark themselves safe and notify their friends. Besides this,
Safety Check also urges other users to indicate when people they know are
safe.
From the US and UAE to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the world came
together to help the lakhs of people displaced by the massive floods in
Crowdsourcing for Relief Funds: Apart from improving rescue and relief Kerala in 2018. From clothes and food to money
operations, people can also use social networking sites to send donations.
World Vision was one of four charities asking people to donate money to pay
for relief kits through [Link]. Just a few days after the floods, they had
received enough funding for over 10,000 kits.
How Social Media came to the Rescue...
Mobilizing Volunteers: Thousands of citizens used mobile phone technology and
social media platforms to mobilise relief efforts, whether it is the distribution of food
packets, clothes, drinking water, medicines, or even identifying people who need
assistance. Apart from the Army, Airforce, and NDRF personnel, it was ordinary folks
who harnessed social media and their own resources to play a role in relief and rescue
efforts.
Infographics: A team called Kerala Designers Collaborative compiled vital
information in the form of infographics. Topics ranged from how to assess your car
after floods to how to bury a dead animal to prevent the spread of disease. These
infographics were informative and helped to spread awareness among people affected
by the floods. These infographics were translated into five Indian languages.
Question
Part A
1. What is the role of media in disaster management?
2. What is disaster communication?
3. Why is communication important in emergency management?
4. Write a short note on NDRF.
5. What are the communication options available during a disaster?
Part B
1. Write a short essay on how was social media used as a tool for rescue and relief during the 2018 Kerala floods?
2. Highlight the role of media in pre and post disaster communication.
3. Importance of media in disaster preparedness.
4. How social media can be used in disaster management?
5. How media act as an effective early warning systems?
6. Write a short essay on how was media helpful to you during a natural disaster that hit your state.
7. What is the role of media during a natural disaster?