Improving the social performance of flash flood early warnings using mobile services

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to provide recommendations for improving the social performance of warnings using mobile services in flash flood prone communities. A warning cannot be considered effective until it is received, understood and responded to by those at risk. This is defined as the social performance of warning communication techniques. Mobile services offer opportunities for improving this, particularly in Bangladesh, but have been underutilised. In this research, characteristics of the warning, mobile services and community are found to influence the social performance. Design/methodology/approach – A framework on the factors affecting the social performance was developed and applied using data collected through interviews at the national and regional level along with focus-group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews at the local level in the Sunamganj District, Bangladesh. Findings – The study demonstrated that mobile services are the preferred means of warning communication. Communities strongly preferred voice short messaging service (SMS) and interactive voice response (IVR) because of easier accessibility and understanding of the message. Text-based services [SMS and cell broadcasting service (CBS)] were still found to be acceptable. These should be simple, use symbols and refer to additional sources of information. Further recommendations include mixing push (e.g. SMS and CBS) and pull-based (e.g. IVR) mobile services, utilising local social networks, decentralising the dissemination process and raising awareness. Research limitations/implications – A limited sample of interviews and FGDs were used. Practical implications – Concrete recommendations are made for overcoming obstacles related to the effective use of mobiles services. Social implications – The suggestions made can contribute to improving the social performance of flood early warning communication. Originality/value – The conceptualisation of mobile services’ contribution to social performance of flood warning and field-level application.

Youth Participation at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

“…An early warning system can only be effective if the warnings produced are received, understood, trusted, and responded to by the end users (Molinari and Handmer 2011;Cumiskey et al 2015;Zia and Wagner 2015). Young people have an important contribution to make in creating and implementing such ''people-centered'' early warning systems (Basher 2006).…”

Towards impact-based flood forecasting and warning in Bangladesh: a case study at the local level in Sirajganj district

“…CC BY 4.0 License. dissemination was widely accepted (Cumiskey et al, 2015). However, respondents indicated that remote areas could experience shortage of electricity for long periods, making those devices less reliable.…”

“…Cumiskey et al, 2015;Koks et al, 2015;Fakhruddin et al, 2015;Rahman et al, 2012. Response capability Information on impacts and advisories Messages must contain information on the expected impacts and the advisories on how to implement risk mitigation actions. Shah, 2012;Basher, 2006.…”

“…Cumiskey et al, 2015;Oktari et al, 2014;Shah et al, 2012. Sector specific warning Warning content have be prepared and issued to different end users clusters with same needs.…”

“…In the direction of IBFW, researches shows that the local community in Bangladesh do implement risk mitigation actions based on local experience as long as location-specific information for the oncoming hazard are issued (Cumiskey et al, 2015;Fakhruddin et al, 2015;Maidl and Buchecker, 2015;Oktari et al, 2014;Shah et al, 2012). The CBA has limitations.…”