Natural Disasters Research Institute , sedghimagi1360@gmail.com
Abstract: (14 Views)
Floods rank among the most frequent and devastating natural disasters worldwide, causing significant social, economic, and environmental damages. The increasing frequency and intensity of floods due to climate change underscore the critical need for effective crisis communication and management. Efficient communication during crises can reduce casualties, enhance public safety, and improve coordination among response agencies.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), as a major humanitarian organization, plays a vital role in disaster response and risk communication in Iran. Despite advances in national emergency protocols such as the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), the effective implementation of these frameworks at the local level—especially in rural and remote areas—faces numerous challenges.
This study employs a qualitative case study approach using thematic analysis of documents and field data to examine the quality of crisis communication during the response phase of the August 2022 flood in Mazdaran village, Firuzkuh County. The case was selected for its unique characteristics including the extensive impacts on the rural community, the active involvement of relief organizations, and the interaction between local and national media with the IRCS. This event thus provides a rich context to analyze the crisis communication process and media engagement, as well as to evaluate the practical functioning of the operational emergency management model.
Grounded in a critical-constructivist paradigm, this study aims to identify barriers such as infrastructural limitations and coordination gaps, alongside strengths like strategic messaging and volunteer involvement. The findings offer valuable insights for disaster management practitioners, emergency planners, media actors, and policy makers to enhance future crisis communication in similar contexts.