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Sociology and Space, Vol. 59 No. 3 (222), 2021.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.5673/sip.59.3.10

Importance of Scientifically Based Facts in Crisis Communication: Evidence from Earthquakes in Zagreb and Petrinja

Izidora Marković Vukadin orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-6598-5360 ; Institute for Tourism, Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Mustać orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-0103-9148 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geophysics, Seismological Survey, Croatia
Lidija Nujić ; Institute for Tourism, Zagreb, Croatia
Karmen Fio Firi orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-9944-2305 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geology, Croatia
Jasminka Martinjak ; Croatian Geological Survey, Zagreb, Croatia
Zrinka Marušić ; Institute for Tourism, Zagreb, Croatia
Maja Baniček orcid id orcid.org/0000-0001-5591-0966 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Croatia

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Abstract

Earthquakes are natural phenomena that can strongly affect the human population,
infrastructure, and the environment. Croatia is part of a tectonically and seismically active
area so its habitants and relevant institutions should be aware of possible hazardous events,
which can be devastating. Therefore, crisis communication is extremely important, and in the
event of natural disasters such as earthquakes, it must be clear, timely and concise. Scientific
institutions dealing with earthquakes should also be involved in crisis communication. The information
on two strong earthquakes in 2020 that shocked the area of Zagreb and Petrinja and
the wide surrounding area, have shown how relevant institutions can deal with information
on earthquakes and their consequences and share them publicly. This paper adopts a mixedmethods
research design, combining both qualitative, and quantitative data on the Zagreb and Petrinja earthquakes from various sources of scientific and professional institutions in the field
of geology, geophysics, seismology and civil engineering in Croatia. Empirical data suggest that
interactive communication that strives to address local contextual concerns, explain actions,
and provide honest, timely, accurate and reliable information is most effective. In the future,
institutions have to find a way to react or share their information to help in the crisis.

Keywords

earthquakes; social media; content analysis; crisis communication

Hrčak ID:

271654

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/271654

Publication date:

31.1.2022.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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