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- Permanent Link:
- http://dpanther.fiu.edu/dpService/dpPurlService/purl/FI13042406/00001
Notes
- Summary:
- This report is a case study of the 1982 collapse of the Tous Dam in Spain as a result of intense flash flooding. The authors shed light on the role of vertical and horizontal communication in disaster risk reduction learning and planning. While research has typically focused on ‘crisis communication,’ this paper looks at communication as a way to support the development of capacities for long-term community resilience. The authors’ research focuses around the following questions: 1) how does risk perception and communication among different socio-economic groups and vertical communication by authorities affect how they are affected by strategies for disaster risk reduction; 2) have past disasters induced learning among planners and communities so that there are tangible improvements in planning, communication, and disaster risk reduction; and 3) to what extent is there a shift from solely emphasizing disaster management towards disaster risk reduction following disaster. The research includes a total of 15 interviews with relevant stakeholders, different socio-economic groups directly affected by the flooding, officials responsible for managing the Tous dam disaster, and planners involved in implementing new modes of risk planning and communication after the disaster. These interviews were further complimented with content analysis of the scientific literature, historical records, and media accounts. Their analysis begins with the local reaction to the collapse of the Tous Dam, and broadens to examine how the event led to changes in the way that the threat of flash floods was managed throughout Spain. The researchers found that disaster communication is often affected by a number of factors. One of these is whether or not a community is heterogeneous or homogenous. Social capital and interpersonal networks play a significant role in how disaster communication is disseminated and whether communities prepare for disaster. When various entities reinforce each other’s message concerning disaster preparedness, individuals are more likely to partake in such activities. More importantly, a sense of community belonging enhances the likelihood that individuals will assist each other when disaster occurs. The document emphasizes that while improving information technologies is important, for them to become effective, they need to be adapted to the specific circumstances of communities and their social interactions. ( English )
- Subject:
- Disaster Risk Reduction ( English )
- Citation/Reference:
- Serra, A., Tàbara, J., & Chabay, I. (2011). Assessing the role of vertical and horizontal communication in disaster risk reduction learning and planning: the case of the Spanish Tous dam-break, 1982. Integrated Risk Governance Project (IRG-Project), United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Florida International University
- Rights Management:
- Refer to main document/publisher for use rights.
- Resource Identifier:
- FI13042406
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