Natural disasters such earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones and floods lead to displaced populations, material destruction and, ultimately, human despair. The same is true of manmade crises such as the sudden onset of conflict and large scale displacement of populations into makeshift camps.
When disaster strikes, it is essential for the affected population to have rapid access to information around their health, food, shelter and security. Yet, in these moments of greatest need, local media often fall silent; journalists themselves are killed and media infrastructure is compromised or destroyed. An information vacuum allows rumours to spread and hampers effective communications between relief agencies and affected communities.
Accurate information on relief efforts is crucial and must reach the affected population swiftly. With the right support and coordination, the media can be an essential bridge between the wider humanitarian community and the population. Information can save lives.
Local media can also ensure the voices of disaster victims are duly heard and ensure relief and reconstruction efforts take their opinions and needs into account.
Internews Europe responds uses a triple-faceted emergency response model: we provide disaster-affected populations with life saving and up-to-date information at speed; Internews improves the sustainable flow of information between affected populations and the humanitarian community; and we support better coordination in the delivery of humanitarian aid through multi-sector information and communication structures.
