Assessing the Role of Radio in Disaster Management and Risk Reduction: A Survey Analysis of South Punjab

Abstract

This study evaluates different sociological, economical and occupational dimensions of utilization of radio as a medium of disaster management and risk reduction in rural area of south Punjab. The aim behind selection of South Punjab’s rural areas is the fact that these areas were prone to natural disasters i.e. floods, heavy rains and cyclones. Residents of these areas are belongs to poor economic backgrounds and mostly were daily wagers, farmers having very limited resources and unemployed. Quantitative data was collected by using survey research technique; collected data helps me to answer many research related queries. Study show that rural areas are affected more than the urban areas during a disaster such as flood, the radio plays vital role in disaster management and awareness. The government makes sure the affected areas are receiving the required information to make arrangements for minimum economical loss. Radio being small, portable and long lasting makes it easy to use in every situation, people hear the help line numbers and contact the responsible office for help if they are stuck in a calamity. During disasters radio plays more effective role in rural areas than TV or internet.