On 12 November 2024, experts and decision-makers in Lahnstein discussed the role of social media in coping with extreme events such as floods. Lord Mayor Lennart Siefert emphasised how crucial fast and reliable information via social media can be in saving lives. We as HKC were also on site!

Social media is becoming increasingly important in the event of flooding and heavy rainfall. They are central to risk communication, especially for flood warnings, and support the involvement of the population in coping with flood damage. ‘Everyone needs to know what to do - warnings alone are not enough!’ emphasised Ulrike Franzke, Chairwoman of Hochwassernotgemeinschaft (HWNG) Rhein e. V. and Chairwoman of Stadtentwässerungsbetriebe (StEB) Köln and HKC.

The participants agreed that social media is a valuable addition to traditional channels - but only with sufficient preparation and a clear strategy. The results of the workshop are documented at www.hochwassernotgemeinschaft-rhein.de.

Source:HWNG Rhein, U. Eifler

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