USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA DURING FLOOD EVENTS

Social media is beginning to play an integral role in the way that people both gather and communicate information during emergency situations.As with all methods of communication during emergency events, social media is just one channel that should be used as part of an overall communications platform encompassing multiple tools

Principles for Effectively Using Social Media for Flood Events 

1. Don’t wait for an emergency to get involved in social media:

One of the key principles of effective social media use in emergency situations is recognition that social media communication is founded on relationships, and these are best developed prior to the incident occurring.The strong message-spreading activity evidenced in social media during emergencies can also be

drawn on for preparedness and planning initiatives. Ensuring all preparedness materials are available digitally to enable distribution and sharing through social media channels is a simple but highly effective engagement strategy

2.Use social media as an intelligence tool

One of the most significant potential benefits of using social media for emergency events is that it increases considerably the amount of situational information that is available to emergency management and response agencies. social media communication often  produces accurate situational information, in

advance of official communications.Commentary through social media channels moves rapidly, and often contains information that is ahead of both official agency intelligence channels and traditional news media. 

3. Develop Structured Social Media Monitoring 

A number of well build application should be made in order to tackle the situation.This applications should involve monitoring  statistically damage caused due to disaster and providing immediate relief to the people.

There are two key aspects to the monitoring of social media communication during emergencies- the immediate monitoring that occurs in real time, and the data collection that should occur for detailed review. These two activities have different purposes, but both are equally important in increasing ongoing understanding of the role of social media in emergency management.  

4. Avoid Spreading Rumors

Since social media is easy access to everyone don't use it to spread false messages because it may increase the pressure in the minds of people who are already undergoing mental agony due to the present disaster which may even cause official agencies under pressure. Use the tools to help people as far you can.