Disaster warning messages in Rio Grande do Sul:
challenges and opportunities in risk communication
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17058/redes.v29i1.19701Keywords:
Risk management, Communication, Environmental emergency, ResponseAbstract
This research analyzes the effectiveness of warning messages issued by authorities in Rio Grande do Sul during a climate disaster that occurred between April 26 and May 7, 2024. This extreme event resulted in over 700 mm of rainfall, affecting 96% of the municipalities and causing 182 deaths, with more than 2.39 million people impacted. Using an analytical framework, 88 warning messages were examined for the presence of essential elements: source, hazard, location, protective actions, and period. The results reveal that 62.5% referred to floods. The analysis showed high consistency in identifying the source and hazard (100%), but a low presence of details about impacts (22.7%). The specification of the affected area was addressed in 80.7% of the messages, but only 39.7% mentioned specific municipalities. All messages included protective actions, but the specificity varied, with 10.2% recommending evacuation. Temporal accuracy was consistent in 80.7% of the cases. The research concludes that although the messages were clear and organized, they lacked details about impacts and specific areas, reducing the effectiveness of preventive communication and population preparedness.
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