The impact of religion on disaster information needs

Religion may impact the information needs related to the disaster as it can provide an explanation for a disaster. In the literature review many examples of religious explanations for disasters were found. In the aftermath of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, many Islamic leaders interpreted the disaster as punishment from God. Both Catholics and Evangelicals in Morolica, Honduras, explained the flood after Hurricane Mitch as part of God's design or punishment (Reale 2010).

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Cultural Factors: Customs/traditions/rituals

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Recovery, Response, Preparedness, Prevention, All disaster phases

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Develop guidelines for disaster practitioners that take into consideration the different needs of and approaches to different ethnical groups
• The use of new technologies (e.g. Bluetooth) can improve communication strategies in disaster management situations
• Use cultural factors to improve the effectiveness of disaster communication