Research - 02.12.2022 - 09:14
Contrary to their best interests, many people refuse or are reluctant to leave areas of danger during an armed conflict. Finding a way to motivate these individuals to vacate could ultimately save lives.
Even though there is a significant research on evacuations and natural disasters, there are no discernable studies looking at war zones. Researchers at the University of St.Gallen and partner universities conducted a controlled survey in July 2022 using data coming from residential areas exposed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the evacuation messages they received.
This data is unique in that it evaluates potential communication strategies of regional governments and their effects on decisions of those experiencing the ongoing armed conflict. It also provides policymakers an insight into the effectiveness of messaging. Simply stated, more effective messaging can save lives and can be immediately applied in Ukraine and in the more than 50 armed conflicts taking place globally.
Findings:
Conclusion: People in emergency situations need to be given precise and clear information about how they can be evacuated. Communication strategies for evacuation should therefore focus on the provision of such information.
The study can be found here.
Image: Keystone / People board the evacuation train heading to the west of Ukraine, at the train station in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region
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