South Asia Tsunami and Pakistan Earthquake Compared

Lesson 1 Reading Summary
By Michael Newland
 Reference:

Weberling, B. (2009). Mobilizing Disaster Relief: U.S. Media Coverage and Public Response to the Tsunami and Pakistan Earthquake. Conference Papers -- International Communication Association; Annual Meeting, pg 1-31.

South Asia Tsunami 2004

Theme: In 2004 and 2005 a massive tsunami devastated South Asia and a massive earthquake devastated Pakistan. The media provided coverage for both disasters but the tsunami relief efforts raised $1.8 billion compared to only $129 million raised for the earthquake.

Summary:

·         In 2004 a large earthquake formed a tsunami that completely devastated South East Asia.

·         In 2005 a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Pakistan and parts of India and Afghanistan.

·         The Tsunami killed more than 165,000 people leaving thousands more homeless, injured, or missing.

·         The earthquake killed more than 73,000 people, injured 128,000, and more than 3,000,000 were left homeless.

·         U.S. donations for the tsunami totaled more than $1.8 billion while Pakistan only got $129 million.

·         Far more people were affected by the earthquake in Pakistan but they received far less money from donations.

·         The Tsunami occurred first and it was all over the media so people were very willing to donate.

·         When the earthquake happened they had just finished hearing all about the Tsunami. Patrick Rooney of Indiana University said the response to the tsunami was “Off the charts.” He also said that donor fatigue was a possible reason for reduced aid to Pakistan.

·         The media overplayed the tsunami so much that when the earthquake happened the public was just tired of hearing about pledges of support.

Application to the lesson topic: The mass media is the main source of information the public gets about disasters. When something huge happens like the tsunami or earthquake it is all over the media for weeks. That much coverage of  an issue can lead to a public outcry and possible even a policy change.

Application to emergency services: These disasters can be extremely devastating to a community. It can be especially devastating to a third world country where they don’t have the resources to manage these situations. It is important for these countries to receive any help they can get so the emergency services can get out there and help.