Crisis communication failure: A case study of Typhoon Morakot

Abstract

In 2009, Typhoon Morakot was the deadliest typhoon to impact Taiwan in recorded history. Around 700 people were either killed or lost in the catastrophe, while damage to agricultural, public construction and business losses amounted to NT$110 billion (US$3.5 billion). The purpose of this study is to examine the crisis with Typhoon Morakot and how governmental agencies respond to the needs of the citizens. Throughout the stages, three main themes of Taiwanese government's response to Typhoon Morakot emerged: 1) ignoring the warning signs in pre-crisis stage, 2) failure in crisis response in crisis stage, and 3) taking corrective actions in post-crisis stage. The findings demonstrate a need to develop culturally and ethnically competent crisis response to minority population. It is important to note that the necessity of community participation during reconstruction is essential.