Locating disaster communication in changing communicative ecologies across the Pacific

Abstract

Abstract:The Pacific Island region is geographically and culturally diverse, with a significant range of

Traditional or contemporary weather and climate forecasts: reaching Pacific communities

“…Lower reliance on contemporary forecast products within the Pacific is likely, in part, related to ease of access and an uncomplete understanding of the information. For the more remote communities, communication media are limited, many relying on word-of-mouth, including phone calls or texts from family and friends in other locations and community networks, such as churches, area councils and men and women's groups (Noske-Turner et al 2014). Communication mechanisms for forecast dissemination can be unreliable, with radio reception and mobile telephone reception being problematic in the outer islands and some rural areas (VMGD 2012;Noske-Turner et al 2014;Handmer and Iveson 2017).…”

“…Zimbabwe, Patt et al 2005;Tanzania, Mahoo et al 2013;Chengula and Nyambo 2017;India, Tall et al 2014; sub-Saharan Africa, Masinde 2015). However, more people now have access to mobile phones than radios in many Pacific Islands (Noske-Turner et al 2014). In Samoa, mobile phone coverage is around 90% and high literacy rates mean text messages may be an effective way of warning about extreme events (SPREP 2016b).…”

“…However, similar network coverage in Vanuatu may not translate to similar effectiveness due, in part, to lower phone ownership rates, although the information from the text-based warnings may reach a large proportion of the population through informal networks (Handmer and Iveson 2017). In Niue, mobile phone penetration is lower, but free public Wi-Fi results in Internet access rates being considerably higher than many other Pacific countries (Noske-Turner et al 2014). Preferred approaches to accessing information also differ generationally, with older generations less likely to hear about warnings via social media or the Internet (Noske-Turner et al 2014).…”

“…In Niue, mobile phone penetration is lower, but free public Wi-Fi results in Internet access rates being considerably higher than many other Pacific countries (Noske-Turner et al 2014). Preferred approaches to accessing information also differ generationally, with older generations less likely to hear about warnings via social media or the Internet (Noske-Turner et al 2014). Hence, the mechanisms of the forecast of delivery often determine whether it is received and utilised.…”

A Review of the Pacific Media Landscape: A Baseline Study

“…This includes the use of ICTs during emergencies and disasters, the ability of broadcasters and technicians to keep up to date with the latest equipment and software, and the consequences of integrating ICTs like mobile phones into media and communication plans for 'tried and tested' technologies such as broadcast radio (Noske-Turner, Tacchi, Horst & Papoutsaki, 2014). While ICTs offer new opportunities, digital literacy training is becoming increasingly important to keep pace with the changing environment.…”