Disaster Risk Communication: Evidence-Based Practices across Cultures and Hazards

Asiimwe Kyomugisha T.

Faculty of Business, Kampala International University, Uganda

                                                                                ABSTRACT
Disaster risk communication has become an indispensable component of disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and resilience building as societies face increasingly frequent and complex natural, technological, and public health hazards. This review synthesizes evidence-based practices in disaster risk communication across diverse cultural settings and hazard contexts, examining the theoretical foundations, communication models, cultural influences, and practical strategies that shape effective risk communication. The review highlights risk communication as a dynamic, two-way process that extends beyond information dissemination to include community engagement, trust building, public participation, and behavior change throughout the disaster management cycle. Evidence demonstrates that the effectiveness of risk communication is strongly influenced by cultural values, language, literacy, message framing, trust in information sources, and the credibility of messengers. Tailored, culturally sensitive communication strategies that incorporate local knowledge, participatory approaches, and trusted community networks consistently outperform standardized, one-size-fits-all messaging. The review further examines communication requirements across natural disasters, technological and industrial accidents, and public health emergencies, emphasizing the importance of hazard-specific messaging and adaptive communication channels. Mass media, digital platforms, interpersonal networks, visual communication, and plain language each play complementary roles in disseminating timely and accessible information while countering misinformation. The paper also discusses approaches for evaluating communication effectiveness, including experimental and observational studies, behavioral metrics, and equity-focused assessments. Cross-cultural case studies provide valuable lessons regarding successful communication practices and persistent implementation challenges. Finally, the review identifies research gaps related to standardized evaluation methods, culturally responsive communication models, and cross-hazard comparative analyses. Strengthening institutional preparedness, cross-sector collaboration, community participation, and evidence-informed communication strategies will enhance disaster resilience, reduce vulnerability, and improve public decision-making across diverse populations and hazard environments.

Keywords: Disaster Risk Communication, Risk Perception, Community Engagement, Disaster Preparedness and Cultural Context.

CITE AS: Asiimwe Kyomugisha T. (2026). Disaster Risk Communication: Evidence-Based Practices across Cultures and Hazards. IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 11(2):50-58. https:/doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAM/2026/112.5058