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International Journal of Communication Development

The International Journal of Communication Development (IJCD) is a new journal devoted to the analysis of communication, mass media and development in a global context in both Indian and...

P-ISSN: 2231-2498 English Since 2011
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Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026)

Articles Volume 17 Issue 1 January-June 2026

From Loudspeakers to Smartphones: Understanding Youth Perspectives on Disaster Risk Communication in Sadar Block, Balasore, Odisha, India

Authors
SI
Sidharth Verma
DU
Durgesh Tripathi
Research Scholar, Centre of Excellence in Disaster Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi Dean & Professor, University School of Mass Communication, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi
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Published 2026-07-31
Pages 37-47
Abstract

Digital Media or Social Media play an important role during the cyclones in disseminating the important information, early warning, alerts and real-time updates to the users. However, the existing research on disaster or risk communication remains high in countries like Japan, Australia and the United States. The research objective of the study is to understand the role of media (traditional and digital) in disaster risk reduction from the youth of Balasore Sadar Block of Balasore district, Odisha, India. This study is quantitative in nature using a 5-point Likert scale as the tool. The survey was conducted with 394 respondents between 15-29 from the five vulnerable villages of the block using the multistage sampling. The Risk Communication theory is used as the theoretical framework in the research, and it also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals like 3, 9, 10, 11, and 13. The results reflect that the maximum number of youth are using smartphones with internet facilities and relying on digital media for cyclone alerts, but to tackle the fake news, they cross-check it with the regional news channels or with the government authorities. The use of a weather app like SATARAK is absent, which is a concern about the lack of digital literacy and awareness among them.

Keywords
Disaster Risk Reduction Risk Communication Youth Social Media
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How to Cite
Sidharth Verma, Durgesh Tripathi . (2026). From Loudspeakers to Smartphones: Understanding Youth Perspectives on Disaster Risk Communication in Sadar Block, Balasore, Odisha, India. International Journal of Communication Development , 17(1), 37-47.
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International Journal of Communication Development
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P-ISSN 2231-2498
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