Computer-assisted thematic analysis of Typhoon Fung-Wong tweets

This study examines the themes present in tweets during Typhoon Fung-Wong (local name Mario), which hit the Philippines last September 2014. We used topic modeling and manual analysis. Through topic modeling, topics found include rainfall warning, humor, expressing hope, typhoon status/situation, disaster relief, work and class suspension, tropical storm update, and flooded areas. Manual analyses revealed more themes such as communication and information dissemination, entertainment, resilience and hope, and relief. By these themes, Twitter can be considered as a platform for disaster risk reduction through effective distribution of relevant information, and serves as a space to chronicle people's experiences.