Social media and disaster communication: A case study of Cyclone Winston

Abstract

Abstract:This article presents an analysis of how social media was used during Tropical Cyclone Winston, the strongest recorded tropical storm that left a wake of destruction and devastation in Fiji during February 2016. Social media is increasingly being used in crises and disasters as an alternative form of communication. Social media use in crisis communication varies according to the context, the disaster and the maturity of social media use. Fiji's experience during TC Winston contributes to the growing literature as it shows how social media was used during each stage of a disaster in a developing country. The article finds that before the cyclone, people used social media to share information about the cyclone and to be informed about the cyclone. During the cyclone, individuals used social media to share their experiences with some citizens capturing the cyclone as it happened and even one citizen live-tweeted her ordeal during the cyclone. Finally, following the cyclone, the hashtag #StrongerThanWinston was coined as a rallying point to bolster a sense of national solidarity.

Ecological communication in Asia-Pacific: A comparative analysis of social adaptation to maritime disaster in Indonesia and Fiji

“…The greater the ability to anticipate a disaster, the greater the possibility for reducing or mitigating its effects and for developing potential solutions. The Finau et al (2018) study demonstrated how important social media was in communication.…”

“…People have been telling stories of close escapes. (Singh, interview, 2018) According to Finau et al (2018) in a post-Winston study, while social media did not replace traditional communication or media, it demonstrated 'innovative and serendipitous uses' ranging from informing citizens, sharing experiences and as a 'rallying point': 'Social media has created a space for Pacific Islanders' voices to be heard and the severity of Cyclone Winston being a consequence of anthropogenic climate change'.…”

Disaster-resilient communication ecosystem in an inclusive society – A case of foreigners in Japan

“…Those impacted in vulnerable areas or in regions potentially at risk are the target population. They are affected by disaster characteristics such as location, demographic details, information accessibility and information flow between them and other parties [ 45 ].…”

“… Characteristics Descriptions based on information ecology perspective Adaptation (coevolution) Social media enhances coevolution within the disaster communication setup by exchanging real time information about the event [ 51 ]. Heterogeneity (diversity) Cases exhibit diversity among information and communication tools, i.e., Twitter, Facebook, organizational websites, and mass media [ 52 ], and list various actors such as remote actors [ 37 , 38 ], responsible agents [ 40 , 41 ], transmitters [ 43 ], and targets [ 45 ]. Driving force (keystone species) Cases show highly skilled, voluntary entities or governmental organizations could be a driving force for adaptation.…”

A crucible for bottom-up regionalism? The digital renaissance

“…In the Pacific, a digital revolution has resulted in drastic changes in the means by which Pacific islanders commu-nicate, access information, and engage in public/political discourse (Cave, 2012). Research has demonstrated that in the Pacific, social media has become a means of communication, disaster awareness, political debate and activism, and even identity formation and rejuvenation (Brimacombe, Kant, Finau, Tarai, & Titifanue, 2018;Finau et al, 2018;Titifanue, Tarai, Kant, & Finau, 2016;Webb-Gannon & Webb, 2019). This commentary argues that as the Pacific Region undergoes its digital revolution, issues such as the Free West Papua Movement act as a catalyst for regional concern and action at the community level.…”