UNDRR Highlights How Trusted Communication Can Save Lives During Disasters
Geneva, September 12, 2026: Clear and trusted communication can play a crucial role in protecting communities when disasters strike, according to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
During emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, storms, wildfires and other hazards, people need reliable information quickly so they can understand the threat and make appropriate decisions. Effective communication can help communities respond faster, avoid misinformation and follow safety instructions.
Communication Must Adapt During Emergencies
UNDRR emphasizes that communication during disasters is not a one-way process. It is dynamic and needs to adapt as circumstances change.
Information requirements can shift rapidly during an emergency. Authorities and organizations may need to update warnings, explain changing risks and respond to questions from affected communities. Communication systems therefore need to remain flexible and responsive.
Trust Is Central to Risk Communication
People are more likely to act on emergency warnings when the information comes from sources they trust and when messages are clear and understandable.
Building that trust before a disaster occurs can be particularly important. Governments, emergency agencies and communities can strengthen preparedness by establishing reliable communication channels and ensuring that risk information reaches people in accessible formats.
UNDRR Promotes Better Public Risk Communication
UNDRR has highlighted public risk communication as an important element of disaster risk reduction. Its Disaster Risk Communication Hub provides resources covering different aspects of communicating risks to the public.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to improve how disaster information is developed, delivered and received. Effective communication can help people understand hazards, prepare in advance and respond appropriately when an emergency develops.
As climate-related and other hazards continue to pose risks to communities worldwide, strengthening trusted communication remains an important part of building resilience and reducing disaster losses.
