This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
Effective communication is a crucial tool in disaster management, as it helps to create a complete understanding of the situation and enables timely action.
According to KIRAGU KARIUKI, writing in Ideas & Debate on November 17, 2019, access to reliable communication systems increases the aptness of action and choices to disaster risk and responses.
Communication plays a critical role in disaster management, from imparting knowledge and public awareness to early warning, resource mobilization, and coordination.
Effective communication holds sway over audiences and conveys facts without creating panic, making it essential to use the right words and convey information in a timely manner.
However, past disasters have been marred by ineffective and poorly executed communication, leading to a lack of strategies for information delivery and a reliance on eyewitness accounts that can cause damage to victims and society.
Conflicting disaster accounts and processes erode public confidence in available capacities to tackle disaster incidents, drawing speculative theories and ridicule.
Lessons from recent past tragedies expose inaction on bodies mandated with crisis and response coordination, hindering sound crisis management, coordination, and rescue efforts.
Gate-crashers to disaster scenes, mainly the political class, often undermine crisis management efforts in disasters while competing for mileage and media coverage.
Ultimately, effective communication is crucial in disaster management, and those responsible should be cautious and thoughtful in their deeds and conduct, conscious of the emotional needs of the victims and their families.
