A comparative study of interagency communications and information exchange in disaster response among selected countries

BACKGROUND: Effective communications and secure information exchange platforms during disasters and emergencies are among the significant factors in inclusive disaster management and can radically contribute to better preparedness, efficient and timely responsiveness, and, finally, maximal reduction of damages and fatalities. The present study was to compare communications and information exchange among disaster response organizations in selected countries. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This applied research, carried out in 2022, was a qualitative descriptive-comparative study pursuing a content analysis approach. Australia, Turkey, India, America, Japan, and Iran constituted the statistical population of the study. The sampling was based on the countries’ disaster histories and response experiences. The note-taking tool was used to extract and collect data during the review of texts, documents, and articles, and the qualitative content analysis method was employed for data analysis. RESULTS: The outcomes of the descriptive-comparative analysis fell into four main comparative axes of the selected countries, including comparing reference, authority, and coordinator organizations in the response phase, comparing planning records and histories in disaster and emergency management comparing the contribution or non-contribution of government, military institutions, and non-governmental organizations to disaster and emergency management, the commonalities of the selected countries’ disaster and emergency management and dependence on government. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that all selected countries depended on the government in managing disasters and emergencies, and the four communication platforms, i.e., landline telephone, mobile phone, radio communications systems, and couriers, were the common communication and information acquisition sources.