The Auckland Anniversary floods inquest has begun, with a focus on the emergency mobile alert system and public communications during the disaster. The inquest is being held to investigate the events surrounding the floods, which occurred on January 27, 2023, and affected thousands of people in the Auckland region. The floods were caused by heavy rainfall, which resulted in widespread damage and disruption to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The emergency mobile alert system was activated during the floods, but many people reported not receiving the alerts or receiving them too late. The inquest is examining the effectiveness of the alert system and whether it was adequate in warning people of the impending danger. The inquest is also looking at the role of public communications during the disaster, including the use of social media and other channels to disseminate information to the public. The Auckland Council and other agencies are being scrutinized for their response to the floods, including their communication strategies and emergency planning. The inquest has heard from witnesses who described the chaos and confusion during the floods, with many people struggling to access information and assistance. The inquest has also examined the impact of the floods on vulnerable communities, including the elderly and those with disabilities. The use of social media during the disaster has been highlighted as a key area of concern, with many people relying on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook for information and updates. However, the inquest has heard that the use of social media was not always effective, with some people reporting that they did not receive timely or accurate information. The inquest is ongoing, with further hearings scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. The findings of the inquest are expected to have significant implications for emergency management and public communications in New Zealand. The inquest is being closely watched by emergency management officials, policymakers, and the general public, who are all eager to learn from the experiences of the Auckland Anniversary floods. The inquest has already highlighted several key areas for improvement, including the need for more effective emergency alert systems and better public communications strategies. The inquest has also underscored the importance of community resilience and preparedness in responding to natural disasters. As the inquest continues, it is likely that further recommendations will be made to improve emergency management and public communications in New Zealand. The Auckland Anniversary floods inquest is an important opportunity for New Zealand to learn from its experiences and to improve its response to natural disasters. The inquest is a reminder that emergency management is a critical component of public safety and that effective communication is essential in saving lives and reducing harm. The inquest has heard from experts who have highlighted the importance of having robust emergency management systems in place, including effective alert systems and public communications strategies. The inquest has also examined the role of technology in emergency management, including the use of mobile apps and other digital tools to disseminate information and coordinate responses. The findings of the inquest are expected to inform future emergency management policies and practices in New Zealand, and to contribute to the development of more effective emergency management systems. The inquest is a significant step towards improving public safety and reducing the risk of harm from natural disasters in New Zealand.