A Prelim Investigation on Social Media Usage as Risk Communicational Platform for Klang Valley Flash Flood Management

Abstract

Throughout unprecedented events such as flooding, it is important to stay connected and engaged with one another. There is an increasing trend of flooding occurrences in Klang Valley to date. However, the study of risk communication for flood management, specifically in the region is scarce. Thus, this paper examines the current communication arrangement in the flood management system in Klang Valley, Malaysia which involve various parties; the government, agencies, local authorities and the community. This study aims to explore the usage of social media (SM) as risk communication tool that could be used to maintain engagement within all the participants. Subsequently, elements derived from previous literatures were used in this qualitative study entailing semistructured interviews involving three key informants to unveil the actual issues and barriers for SM usage in flood management. Further, Likert scale questionnaires were used to identify the usability of several SM platforms in flood management. Our main finding highlighted the importance of collaboration and communication using SM in flood management as this can engage the chain of key persons. Thus, this study reveals the relevance of considering SM as a risk communication tool for flood management, where it fits the role as a communication vehicle during all phases of flood management. Results obtained from this study can be used for further work related to social media and flood management.