Emergency Response is a core Feba focus area, so we're excited about BBC Radio 4's outstanding new online audio drama "Quake".

With a 360-degree VR first episode, this innovative series uses audio and animation telling the interweaving stories of different individuals after an earthquake.

For those wanting the full immersive experience, the series starts with a gripping virtual reality video "Trapped Man" where viewers can see through the eyes of the main character as a building collapses around him. 

Outside of the first part where disaster strikes and the final episode "Search and Rescue", the series follows a non-linear narrative, where audiences can select short stories from a variety of perspectives.  The other parts can be uncovered in any order, from the emotional episode "Digital Jedis" which covers the efforts of digital volunteers joined by a little boy offering help, to stories about survivors, crisis co-ordinators, drone pilots, celebrities and worried family members.   

Quake is designed as something that can fit into whatever space you have available in the day, choosing episodes to suit, or listening to the whole thing as a podcast. It’s an exciting innovation in how we offer Radio 4 drama to both new and existing audiences.

Rhian Roberts, Digital Editor, BBC Radio 4 

Our own work with partners like First Response Radio sees the critical value of reliable information and well coordinated communication efforts in response to disaster.  

The importance of emergency radio is dramatically captured in "Local Radio DJ" which presents the type of messages broadcasted to affected communities, while the DJ's themselves are trapped in a studio demolished by the earthquake.

A groundbreaking series that not only demonstrates the power of radio drama, Quake's use of VR and graphic-novel style animation takes its audience on an emotional journey highlighting the digital possibilities available in relief efforts and the value of "communication as aid". 

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Experience the story for yourself on the BBC website. 

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See also:  How 3 radio projects are changing lives across Africa