Fostering resilience: Community radio and disaster communication in Odisha, India

Local voices carry tremendous weight during natural disasters, yet the possibilities for employing participatory communicative practices for disaster management in India have not been fully explored. Effective community-centred disaster communication garners participation in disaster management processes that reduce vulnerabilities. This paper examines how various community-based organisations used community radio to enhance community engagement and the effectiveness of the disaster management processes in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. The research relies upon case studies of disaster communication practices of two community radio stations during the 'very severe cyclonic storm' Yaas, which made landfall in Odisha. It describes the conceptual shift in the disaster risk reduction approach towards community participation and the role of information and communication in disaster management. It then discusses the historical trajectories of disasters and vulnerabilities in Odisha. The following sections analyse how the social relationships facilitated by community radios augment the effectiveness of the disaster communication process. The paper explains how two community radio stations engaged with the communities to promote early warning, preparedness, response and revitalising measures during Cyclone Yaas. It argues for prioritising community radio as a component in all disaster communication endeavours as a means to strengthen community capacities and enhance community resilience.