In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in Haiti, people have an urgent need for information to help keep themselves and their neighbors safe and find the lifesaving services they need such as shelter, food, water, and medical assistance. By providing accurate and timely information, Internews can diminish the panic and confusion in the communities affected by the severe storm and help rebuild the country.
In the wake of any natural disaster, people have an urgent need for information that they can use to help themselves and their neighbors stay safe, find shelter, find water food and medical assistance. Internews staff on the ground already report that information reaching hurricane affected communities is patchy and not always accurate. Rumors and misinformation are already creating confusion and panic in these communities.
Support to local media outlets enables accurate reporting on the situation in all parts of the country and enables government and local authorities to effectively communicate with people all over the island about life saving services. Rumor tracking work identifies and verifies misperceptions and rumor spreading by word of mouth and social media.
These efforts will contribute to the streamlining of the overall response by ensuring that all actors have accurate and timely information about the needs of the affected population. Supporting and strengthening media infrastructure will enhance the affected communities' resilience and preparedness for future disasters.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
