Optimizing flood disaster management: unraveling the role of social organizations in China’s GBA through social network analysis

Abstract

This study delves into the efficiency and structure of the social organization network involved in flood disaster management in China’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Leveraging the global knowledge graph, we analyzed social media data and news reports to identify the pivotal roles and interactions of various social organization types in flood disaster governance. The empirical findings underscore the central role of national public social organizations, evidenced by their high frequency of news coverage and mentions. Meanwhile, International Social Organizations and Local Public Social Organizations exhibit growing influence and participation. As China shifts toward a comprehensive disaster reduction strategy, the study observes increased diversity and decentralization among these organizations, with non-governmental organizations and volunteer groups playing vital roles in resource mobilization, information dissemination, and disaster coordination. Network analysis unveils evolving interaction patterns and co-occurrence frequencies among social organizations, reflecting the evolving roles of different organization types in disaster relief. This research aims to provide actionable insights to enhance the effectiveness of social organizations in disaster management, contributing to the establishment of a more resilient and efficient disaster management framework in the GBA.