A Perception Study on Community Response to Media Technologies for Cyclone Warning and Disaster Communication in South India

Abstract

Coastal disasters such as cyclone and tsunami are known for their destructive nature worldwide. Such disasters in the last few years have resulted in severe loss of lives and destruction to properties. Timely cyclone warning and communication of mitigation measures are considered to play a vital role in disaster risk reduction. Both broadcast and narrowcast media are been used in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu state for disaster communications. This study intends to find the effectiveness of such media in communicating disaster warning and preparedness information and to study the community response to such media using survey methodology. The findings indicate that age and educational background of the community affects the disaster knowledge; media access and media effectiveness has a positive effect on community response. The results are discussed and a conclusion is drawn.