Social Media and Communication in Emergencies

Abstract

Emerging technologies have great impact on humanitarian actions. In this context, emergency response groups have recognized the potential of social media tools to enhance and facilitate communication, interact with public, get better situational awareness, and share lessons learned. Up to 2010 most research was focused on ICT integration in emergency communication plans, its positive and negative sides, with very little thought given to ad-hoc online volunteer networks and their role in emergencies. The paper describes the way social activists used Ushahidi platform to collect and disseminate crisis data and the impact it has on emergency management in general. It also offers directions for efficient use of social software that may benefit emergency preparedness and response, help decision makers to come up with the best possible solutions during a crisis, and improve relief efforts.