Assessing the Effectiveness of Environmental Risk Communication in Response to Natural Disasters of 2025

Abstract

This article examines the perceived effectiveness of environmental risk communication during natural disasters in Pakistan in 2025. Drawing on survey responses from 316 adults, the study evaluates how disaster-related information exposure, trust in information sources, perceived barriers, cultural relevance, and protective behaviour shape public responses. The findings indicate that respondents generally viewed risk communication as moderate rather than highly effective. Social media emerged as an important information channel, while local community leaders were perceived as comparatively trusted sources. Correlation results showed that communication exposure, trust, and awareness of barriers were associated with protective behaviour, although exposure alone was not sufficient to ensure immediate action. The study concludes that disaster communication in Pakistan should move beyond simple warning dissemination toward a people-centred model based on credible sources, locally understandable messages, multiple channels, and practical guidance that helps citizens act before and during disasters.