Unpacking the practices of compound hazard communication

This article examines how communication changes when communities face compound natural hazards, including multiple disasters occurring at the same time or in quick succession. Based on interviews with 38 hazard communicators and focus groups with 52 community members in three regional Australian locations, it explores the distinct communication needs and experiences created by overlapping hazards. The study uses a practice theory lens to understand communication not only as messages and channels, but as what people do and say before, during and after disasters.

The key takeaway is that compound hazards create a more complex communication landscape than single-hazard events. The study identifies listening, literacy and creativity as core practices that help communities and communicators navigate overlapping risks, contradictory messages, misinformation, fatigue and changing information needs. It argues that locally nuanced, practice-aware communication strategies are needed to support resilience as compound hazards become more frequent and damaging.