Utility of Virtual Operation Support Teams: An International Survey

Author(s): Florian Roth, Tim Prior
Journal Title: Australian Journal of Emergency Management
Volume: 34
Issue: 2
Pages: 53-59
Publisher(s): Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience
Publication Year: 2019

No disaster management practice has undergone as much change as emergency communication. Over the last 20 years, the components that influence this practice - such as situational awareness, response coordination and public information – have undergone fundamental transformations. New technologies and changing communication preferences also mean emergency communication is fast-evolving. One response to this rapid change has been the establishment of Virtual Operation Support Teams to monitor social media, support situational awareness, counter rumors and disseminate official communication. This paper examines the evolution of these teams, including their use in seven countries. It also suggests how governments and emergency management authorities can support similar teams as well as manage their integration with formal operations.

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