Communication is a form of humanitarian assistance that is as important as water, food and shelter. Without access to information, disaster survivors cannot access the help they need, make informed decisions or be effective leaders in their own recovery. In the aftermath of a disaster, survival for the most vulnerable people depends on knowing the answers to questions such as:
Where can I find safe drinking water, food or shelter?
Where can I go for medical attention?
Where are my family and friends?
Recent mega disasters show that humanitarian actors are increasingly using communication tools - radio, mobile phones, social media and crisis-mapping - to access, communicate and disseminate information that may save lives or improve conditions for the most vulnerable.