Flood Resilience in the Digital Age: Exploring Facebook’s Role in Enhancing Disaster Preparedness among Smartphone Users in Gaya, Bihar

In today’s digital environment, social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools for disaster communication and community resilience. This study investigates the role of Facebook in enhancing flood preparedness among smartphone users in Gaya district, Bihar, a region vulnerable to recurring floods. Employing a quantitative research design, a structured survey was conducted with 300 respondents equally divided between urban and rural areas. The study examines Facebook usage patterns, levels of engagement with flood-related content, preparedness actions taken, and user perceptions of the platform’s effectiveness in flood risk communication. The results show that 68% of respondents use Facebook daily, with 95% accessing the platform via smartphones. A substantial 80% of participants reported receiving flood alerts on Facebook, and 62% indicated taking preparedness measures based on the information received. In terms of perceived effectiveness, 75% found the content useful, 70% considered it trustworthy, 68% affirmed its clarity, and 72% acknowledged its timeliness. Cross-tabulations revealed urban users were more likely than rural users to participate in Facebook groups related to flood management, and male users slightly outpaced female users in receiving flood alerts. The study underscores Facebook’s potential as a reliable tool for disaster preparedness in digitally connected communities. However, it also highlights limitations such as a lack of representation from non-smartphone users and limited platform comparison. The findings provide a foundation for future research and policy aimed at integrating social media into disaster risk reduction frameworks, particularly in underserved regions.