Crisis Communication in Earthquake Response: A Comparative Study between Latin America and Asia

Abstract

This study aims to comparatively analyze crisis communication (C.C.) in response to earthquakes in Latin America and Asia, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned in both geographical contexts. A qualitative approach is adopted based on a systematic and narrative review of academic literature and relevant case studies, focusing on seismic events in countries such as Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Nepal, South Korea, Myanmar, and Japan. The methodology includes the selection and critical analysis of secondary sources that address institutional, media, technological, and social aspects of emergency communication, aligning with the study's objectives. The results reveal that in Asia, formal institutional frameworks, advanced integration of smart technologies (IT), and organized citizen participation predominate, while in Latin America, communication depends more on citizen spontaneity on social media and faces challenges in inter-institutional coordination and media rigor. Likewise, the importance of the human and ethical dimension in Latin American journalistic coverage is highlighted, as is the need for multichannel systems adapted to the complexity and uncertainty of disasters. This comparative analysis provides a framework for strengthening seismic communication, emphasizing, based on the findings, the connection between technology, institutions, and citizens to improve resilience and effectiveness in emergency management.