Examining the impact of communication during disasters: A case of perennial flooding along the Niger
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61511/icd.v2i1.2025.1765Keywords:
communication, crisis, disaster management, flooding, informationAbstract
Background: Communication remains a valuable tool needed for the survival of humans and societies. Even in the midst of natural and man-made disasters, communication has proven to be an indispensable component. Therefore, this study examines the impact of communication during disasters in Nigeria. Specifically, the study is on the use of communication during flood events along the River Niger which flows through some states in the country. Methods: This study is based on the theoretical framework of the disaster communication management model. This study focused on three states of Anambra, Edo and Kogi for the study. Using Cochran’s statistical formula for sample size determination, the study sampled 664 from the population of the three states and used questionnaires as the data collection instrument. Commencing in 2022, the study spanned over a period of three years as online surveys and physical administration of questionnaires were explored to collect data within the stipulated time. Findings: The study findings revealed that several communication media and channels were explored for exchange during flood disasters and these were group, interpersonal and customary channels such as town spokespersons as well as traditional media of radio and TV. Furthermore, the study found that while interpersonal, group and indigenous media channels were effective, the same could not be said of traditional media and new media platforms. Conclusion: Disaster communication is an effective way towards disaster management, and among others, recommends that stakeholders should prioritize risk communication to minimize losses caused by disasters especially floods in Nigeria. The study revealed that confusion, infrastructure damage and lack of knowledge on community-based approaches are some of the challenges faced in communication during disasters. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study highlights the effectiveness of interpersonal, group and indigenous media communication in flood disaster response, which proved to be more effective than traditional and digital media.
References
African News. (2024, Aug. 13). The reasons behind this year's massive floods of the Niger River. https://www.africanews.com/2020/09/09/the-reasons-behind-this-year-s-massive-floods-of-the-niger-river
Akhigbe, O. (2024). Africa's path to disaster resilience. BusinessDay. https://businessday.ng/opinion/article/africas-path-to-disaster-resilience.
Anderson, N., Nielsen, A. B., Raju, E., & Patil, T. (2023). Policy brief: Targeting communication in disasters. Link Projects. https://www.preventionweb.net/media/90822.
Babatolu, J. S., Akinnubi, R. T., Folagimi, A. T., & Bukola, O. O. (2014). Variability and trends of daily heavy rainfall events over Niger River Basin Development Authority area in Nigeria. American Journal of Climate Change, 3(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajcc.2014.31001
Bradley, D. T., McFarland, M., & Clarke, M. (2014). The effectiveness of disaster risk communication: A systematic review of intervention studies. PLoS Currents, 22(6), ecurrents.dis.34906. https://doi.org/10.1371/currents.dis.349062
Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development. (2023). Saving lives through effective flood warning communications in Nigeria. https://thecjid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Saving-Lives-through-Effective-Flood-Warning.pdf.
Chebet, S. (2023). Five major weather disasters in Africa. TRT Afrika. https://trtafrika.com/africa/five-major-weather-disasters-in-africa-in-2023-14974387.
Daly, D. (2020). Natural disasters and communication challenges. Base Camp. https://basecampconnect.com/natural-disasters-and-communication-challenges.
Daniel, E. E., & Udo, R. (2019). Human-environment interactions. In E. Ibok, E. Daniel & O. Atakpa (eds.), The politics of global environmental policies. Calabar: University of Calabar Press.
Dehghani, A., Ghomian, Z., Rakhshanderou, S., Khankeh, H., & Kavousi, A. (2022). Process and components of disaster risk communication in health systems: A thematic analysis. Jamba, 14(1), 1367. https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v14i1.1367
Diallo, M. O., Aoki, S., Aoyama,, T., & Watanabe, K. (2017). Evaluation of effectiveness of modern communication channels during emergency situations. In C. A. Brebbia (ed.), Disaster management and human health risk V: Reducing risks, improving outcomes (pp. 131-142). Southampton: WIT Press.
Djoumessi, Y. F., & Mbongo, L. de B. E. (2022). An analysis of information communication technologies for natural disaster management in Africa. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 68, 102722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdr.2021.102722
Elliott, D. (2014). Disaster and crisis management. In M. Gill (ed.), The handbook of security (pp. 813-836). London: Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-67284-4_36
Fakhriati, F., Nasri, D., Mu'jizah, M., Supriatin, Y. M., Supriadi, A., Musfeptial, M., & Kustini, K. (2023). Making peace with disaster: A study of earthquake disaster communication through manuscripts and oral traditions. Progress in Disaster Science, 18, 100287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdisac.2023.100287
Fathollahzadeh, A., Babaie, J., Salmani, I., Morowatisharifabad, M. A., & Khajehaminian, M. -R. (2024). Challenges of disaster risk communication from the perspectives of experts and affected people: A conventional content analysis. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 108, 104553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.104553
Francoeur, B. (2023). 4 phases of disaster management explained (the easy way). AkitaBox. https://home.akitabox.com/blog/4-phases-of-disaster-management.
Haddow, G. D., & Haddow, K. S. (2014). Disaster communications in a changing media world (2nd ed.). Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Hansson, S., Orru, K., Siibak, A., Bäck, A., Krüger, M., Gabel, F., & Morsut, C. (2020). Communication-related vulnerability to disasters: A heuristic framework. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 51, 101931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ojdrr.2020.101931
Inobemhe, K., Anzaku, Z. Y., & Garba, S. (2023). African indigenous communication: Patterns, traditions and practice. Abuja: NIPRI Publishing Press.
International Finance Corporation. (2022). Adapting to natural disasters in Africa: What's in it for the private sector. https://www.ifc.org/en/insights-report/2022/adapating-to-natural-disasters-in-africa.
Khumairoh, Z., Widana, I. D. K. K., & Sumantri, S. H. (2021). The role of communication as the disaster risk reduction in Indonesia capital city transference policy. 2nd International Conference on Disaster and Management. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/708/1/012101
Kumar, P. G., Tejaswini, V., Rao, P. K., & Shankar, G. J. (2021). Disaster mitigation and its strategies in a global context – a state of the art. Materials Today: Proceedings, 45(7), 6488-6492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.11.369
Marcillo-Delgado, J. C., Alvarez-Garcia, A., & Garcia-Carrillo, A. (2022). Communication strategies on risk and disaster management in South American countries. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 76, 102982. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102982
Meribe, N. C. (2017). The political economy of climate change reporting in Nigeria. African Journalism Studies, 38(1), 40-65.
Nakamura, H., Umeki, H., & Kato, T. (2017). Importance of communication and knowledge of disasters in community-based disaster-prevention meetings. Safety Science, 99, 235-243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2016.08.024
Oke, M. O., Adeyinka, A. T., & Oluseyi, O. G. (2018). Media and disaster management: Analysing communication trends in flood ravaged communities in Benue state, North Central Nigeria. Journal of Media and Communication Studies, 10(9), 106-112. https://doi.org/10.5897/JMCS2018.0626
Onwe, E. C., Ilang, C. I., Ikelle, A. P., Anigbo, P., Oshibe, I. N., & Nworie, C. S. (2019). Exploring strategic communication in managing flood menace in Nigeria. African Journal of Politics and Administrative Studies, 12(1), 137-152.
Owolabi, T. O., & Ekechi, C. O. (2014). Communication as critical factor in disaster management and sustainable development in Nigeria. International Journal of Development and Economic Sustainability, 2(3), 58-72.
Rajan, J., Shriwastav, S., Kashyap, A., Ratnoo, A., & Ghose, D. (2021). Disaster management using unmanned aerial vehicles. In A. Koubaa & A. T. Azar (eds.), Unmanned aerial systems: Theoretical foundation and applications (A volume in advances in nonlinear dynamics and chaos (ANDC) (pp. 129-155). Elsevier.
Sharma, R. K., Baskota, A., Timalsina, M., Oli, K. S., & Adhikari, H. (2021). An analysis of use and effectiveness of communication channels, media and tools in post-earthquake private housing reconstruction in Nepal. Progress in Disaster Science, 10, 100157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdisas.2021.100157
Shirazi, N. A., Omidvar, B., & Nohegar, A. (2023). Introduction to decision-making and disaster management systems. In M. R. Rahimpour, B. Omidvar, N. A. Shirazi & M. A. Makarem (eds.), Crises in oil, gas and petrochemical industries: Volume 1: Disasters and environmental challenges (pp. 3-24). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-95154-8.00008-6
Stromsta, R. (2024). Climate change, disasters, insecurity, and displacement: The impact of flooding on youth marginalisation and human mobility in Nigeria. https://environmentalmigration.iom.int/blogs/climate-change-disasters-insecurity-and-displacement-impact-flooding-youth-marginalisation-and-human-mobility-nigeria.
Tulane University. (2023). Developing a disaster communication plan: 8 steps. https://publichealth.tulane.edu/blog/developing-disaster-communication-plan.
Ujene, A. O., & Oguike, M. C. (2020). Mitigating buildings flood hazards through environmental sustainable road design and construction. In V. Umoren & J. Atser (eds.), Land use management and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. Uyo: Parvenu Technologies.
Vinance, R. D., Kriyantono, R., & Wulandari, M. P. (2021). Disaster communication strategies to improve preparedness and reliable communication. Scholars International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice, 4(8), 482-491. https://doi.org/10.36348/sijlcj.2021.v04i08.003
Wisner, B., Blaikie, P., Cannon, T., & Davis, I. (2003). At risk: Natural hazards, people's vulnerability and disasters (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Published
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Oluwatobi Enitan Modeyin, Kelvin Inobemhe, Nick-Tansi Saint Udeh
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
