In the wake of the devastating Kedarnath tragedy in 2013 and the subsequent Raini disaster in 2021, a significant shift in post-disaster mitigation strategies has been observed in Uttarakhand, attributed largely to the growth and impact of social media.

This transformation was underscored in a comprehensive workshop organized by the Dehradun Chapter of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI), where stakeholders from various sectors convened to explore the role of social media in natural calamity management, particularly in the Himalayan region.

The workshop, themed "Natural Calamity and its Impact on Community in the Himalayan Region: Exploring the Role of Social Media," provided a platform for participants and resource persons to delve into the evolving landscape of disaster management, with a focus on leveraging social media as a crucial tool in crisis communication and response.

Mr. Manmohan Bhatt, representing the Himalayan Institute of Learning And Livelihood, drew parallels between the Kedarnath tragedy and the Raini disaster, highlighting the pivotal role played by social media in alerting authorities promptly during the latter incident. Despite Raini`s comparable magnitude to the Kedarnath deluge, the proactive social media ecosystem facilitated timely alerts, significantly mitigating the potential devastation and loss of human lives.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Anil Sati, Secretary of PRSI-Dehradun Chapter, emphasized the transformative impact of an active social media ecosystem in shaping a structured institutional framework within various government departments. This framework, he noted, has not only facilitated efficient communication during crises but has also bolstered coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, paving the way for more effective disaster management measures.

The workshop`s speakers collectively underscored the evolution of social media as a dynamic tool for communication and networking, offering unparalleled opportunities for both individuals and government agencies to empower communities and mitigate the impact of natural disasters in Uttarakhand and beyond.

Participants emphasized the need for continued cooperation and synergy among social media users, government entities, and disaster management agencies to harness the full potential of this digital platform in safeguarding lives and livelihoods in vulnerable regions.

The workshop concluded with a consensus on the imperative of further enhancing the integration of social media into disaster management strategies, advocating for proactive measures to leverage technology for the collective benefit of communities vulnerable to natural calamities.

Himalayan Live Bureau

You May Also Like

आपदा प्रबंधन एवं पुनर्वास बेहतर ढंग से क्रियान्वित हो: मुख्यमंत्री

बिन-पंजीकृत यात्री वाहनों की केदारनाथ मार्ग पर नो एंट्री

खाद्य संरक्षा विभाग चारधाम यात्रा पर खाद्य पदार्थों की नियमित सैम्पलिंग करेगाः डॉ. धन सिंह रावत