From Blogs to Bluesky: How Social Media Transformed Disaster Responses Since the 2004 Tsunami

The devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed over 220,000 lives, struck before the rise of social media, but the subsequent two decades have seen a digital revolution reshape disaster response. Social platforms now play a critical role in aiding rescues, locating the missing, and mobilizing swift crowdfunding efforts.

A Changed Media Landscape

When the 9.1-magnitude earthquake triggered the deadly tsunami on December 26, 2004, traditional media like broadcasters, newspapers, and wire agencies were the primary sources of information. In many regions, the scale of the tragedy took days to surface.

Survivor Mark Oberle, who was in Phuket, Thailand, when the waves struck, used a blog to share his experiences with concerned family, friends, and strangers. His posts, featuring images of destruction and recounting local fears, offered a glimpse into the chaos. Blogs like Oberle’s provided intimate, first-hand accounts, earning bloggers recognition as "People of the Year" by ABC News in 2004.

Today, real-time updates on platforms like X, Instagram, and Bluesky allow billions to follow events instantaneously, fostering citizen journalism and remote assistance while introducing risks of misinformation.

Social Media in Disaster Relief

Social media has proven its utility in disaster relief, with examples like Spain's 2023 floods, where volunteers managed accounts to locate missing persons, and Turkey's 2023 earthquake, where a student’s post led to his rescue.

“Social media provides an immediate way to share critical information, from hospital locations to evacuation routes,” said Jeffrey Blevins, a journalism expert at the University of Cincinnati.

During the 2004 tsunami, many in India’s Tamil Nadu were unaware of what a tsunami was and lacked warnings. Mobile apps and online alerts today bridge such gaps, saving lives by swiftly disseminating vital information.

Citizen Science and Technological Advancements

Beyond emergency responses, social media contributes to scientific understanding. In 2018, smartphone videos of a tsunami in Palu, Indonesia, enabled researchers to reconstruct its path and timing, revealing how underwater landslides accelerated its devastation.

In contrast, footage from the 2004 disaster was largely confined to camcorders, limiting analysis.

Challenges of Misinformation

While social media facilitates rapid communication, it also fuels disinformation. For instance, during Hurricane Helene in 2023, false rumors disrupted relief efforts in North Carolina, leading to tensions and even threats against emergency workers.

“Social media has significantly altered disaster response — both positively and negatively,” said Daniel Aldrich, a Northeastern University professor.

A Future of Better Preparedness

Despite its challenges, the free flow of information remains a game-changer. Laura Kong of the International Tsunami Information Center reflected on the 2004 tragedy: “Back then, even if we knew an event had occurred, we lacked the means to warn anyone.”

Today’s interconnected world ensures better preparedness, faster responses, and a collective effort to mitigate the impact of disasters.