In every kind of emergency, the public needs accurate information quickly. Instances include natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, snowstorms, earthquakes, and tsunamis, as well as cases of terrorist violence, mass transportation accidents, and industrial and technological catastrophes. All these situations call for informing people as rapidly and comprehensively as possible. Radio is a powerful medium for cooperation and peace, with the widest global audience. Radio became part of governmental emergency plans more than a century ago – as soon as broadcasting became available as a mature technology. Since then, radio has proven agile and effective to spread information widely in critical situations. Radio ensures the fastest provision of information to the public. Its life-saving role remains widely recognized, as confirmed by surveys conducted after recent disasters.
Radio is vital in disaster management for disseminating timely and reliable information, coordinating relief efforts, providing psychological support, and facilitating community engagement through early warnings, real-time updates, and local language broadcasts. Its broad reach, affordability, and portability, especially with technologies like community radios and Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), make it the most effective and accessible communication medium for diverse populations, including hard-to-reach and vulnerable communities, during all phases of a disaster. Many international broadcasters have joined the International Radio for Disaster Relief (IRDR) programme under the umbrella of the High Frequency Co-ordination Conference (HFCC), which supports informal co-ordination of frequency channels for short-wave radio broadcasts. Today, radio remains the medium to reach the widest audience, even as this tried-and-true technology is evolving to work in new forms, with new devices. This makes radio a key tool for international understanding – but not just at the national level. In entire world, radio is utilized as a tool of social progress and change which make it the main contributor of social advancement. Radio has a long history of serving country groups for their development and growth.
Key Roles of Radio in Disaster Management are:
- Alert: Radio broadcasts early warnings and alerts for impending hazards, allowing people to prepare and take necessary safety measures.
- Information Dissemination: During a disaster, radio provides crucial, real-time updates on the situation, safety instructions, and resource availability, helping people make informed decisions.
- Coordination of Response: It facilitates coordination among emergency responders, government agencies, relief NGOs, and the public by sharing vital information and needs assessments.
- Psychological Support and Community Engagement: Radio offers psychological comfort and fosters a sense of solidarity by broadcasting encouraging messages and providing a platform for community dialogue and information sharing.
- Reaching Vulnerable Populations: Its wide reach and simplicity make radio the best, and sometimes only, communication link to remote, hard-to-reach, and illiterate communities, particularly in rural areas.
- Multi-Phase Support: Radio’s role extends through all disaster phases, from mitigation and preparation to response, recovery, and revitalization.
- Accessibility & Affordability: Radio equipment is relatively low-cost and easy to obtain, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Reliability: It remains a reliable communication tool, especially when other communication networks like mobile phones are disrupted or congested during a disaster.
- Broad Reach: Radio broadcasts have a broad reach, allowing messages to be disseminated to a large audience quickly.
Government advices people to keep Radio sets with all residing in areas which are disaster prone. Radio was a popular medium till the beginning of 90s when TV started becoming more popular but the advent of FM Radio is said to have revived Radio in India. In urban areas, FM Radio had a great impact and influence on the listeners. Radio Jockeys became very popular and attained a celebrity status especially among youth. With the growth of social media platforms, the voices which were heard and loved began to be seen and recognized adding to the fan base. The RJs became influencers and a part of the lives of listeners. During Bihar’s flood, Radio has played the responsible role of disseminating authentic and verified information to the listeners emerging as a very credible medium. Community Radio has broadcast many programs which have helped the listeners in various ways, like where can one get shelter, information about relief camps, about food distribution, medical help, boat support etc. One of the most important roles that Radio has played is to spread authentic information in a time where rumours spread like wild fire.
Types of disaster: 1. Flood 2. Earthquake 3. Land slide 4. Fire 5. Drought 6. Thunder storm and lightning 7. Pandemic 8. Snake bite 9. Tsunamis &Cyclones 10. Volcanic activity 11. Heat wave 12. Cold wave Traditionally, Radio has played an important role by providing news and updates on disaster affected people and regions and thereby catalysing relief and rescues operation. However, the role of Radio in identifying and serving people’s information needs through the relief, recovery and enhancing preparedness to cope during disaster has not been fully utilized. A World Health Organisation study says that communication can play a crucial role in enhancing the coordination among stake holders, coping abilities of people affected by disaster and accountability of service providers. Radio and communication can encourage people to take practical steps that enable them to cope more effectively with threats and hazards. It can also help to mitigate the impact of disasters when they occur, improve the effectiveness of early warning systems and help people to develop and share locally rooted adaptation strategies.
During disasters, All India Radio (AIR) Imphal serves as a crucial communication channel, providing public information, warnings, and updates, especially when other communication systems are disrupted, such as during the 2019 and 2025 floods in the state. By broadcasting vital alerts, safety instructions, information on relief efforts, and the location of shelters and aid, AIR Imphal helps to counter rumours and guides affected communities to safety and support.
Key Roles of AIR Imphal during Disasters:
Disaster Warnings and Alerts:
AIR Imphal issues crucial warnings about impending hazards, keeping the public informed and prepared for natural disasters like floods.
Dissemination of Information:
The station broadcasts critical information about affected areas, available relief camps, food distribution points, and medical assistance to guide rescue operations and aid distribution.
Countering Rumours:
In times of crisis, rumours spread rapidly. AIR Imphal plays a vital role in spreading authentic information to prevent panic and misinformation.
Coordination of Relief Efforts:
The station alerts government officials, relief organizations, and the public about the specific needs in the affected zones, facilitating coordinated responses.
Emergency Communication:
During floods and other calamities, AIR Imphal provides continuity of communication when infrastructure fails. Even when the main office is affected by flooding, they often continue broadcasting from a substation to reach the public.
Public Awareness and Guidance:
By providing updates on weather conditions, emergency procedures, and evacuation details, AIR Imphal empowers residents to make informed decisions and stay safe.
Connecting with the Public:
The station serves as a link between the government and the people, ensuring that official instructions and updates reach the public effectively.
All the above mentioned roles of AIR, Imphal has been exercising effectively during Covid pandemic, present ethnic crisis in Manipur, India –Pakistan standoff (Operation Sindoor) and recent floods at Imphal Valley though its station at Imphal was submerged. If it’s not mistaken, AIR,Imphal is the only Radio station which broadcast 24×7 non-stop programme among all the Radio Stations in India. Its staffs did not take leave during this hard time. Even AIR Station at Parbung ( Churachandpur) was functioning with the help of BSF personals during present ethnic standoff. In fact, service rendered by AIR,Imphal during disasters are commendable. Let AIR Imphal continue the yeoman service for the people of Manipur and beyond.