Philippines Typhoon Ondoy. Social Media Playing A Big Part

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According to reports, Typhoon Ondoy has killed at least 83 people, with 23 others missing. 60,000 people were brought to emergency shelters, adding to a total of more than 330,000 people affected.

Communication through telephones is almost impossible and many turned to the Internet to get direct updates.

Besides news updates from online publishers, Filipinos away from their homeland are anxiously checking for updates through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Check out how each medium is used to keep us updated on the situation.

Twitter

Philippines has been a trending topic since yesterday (27 Sept). At its peak, real time updates were rolling out at a rate of 1 tweet per second. Twitter is by far the fastest stream to receive news coverage on the situation over at Philippines.

Facebook

Flickr

YouTube

A local news broadcast uploaded to YouTube.

Date: September 26, 2009 Location: Mandaluyong

Video Author: “A 10-15 feet height differential between the Marikina River and the embankment has now been reduced to the point that water is splashing against the high-rises of Eastwood, Metro Manila.”

Video Author: “Calling on all viewers, Let’s help!!! You guys can donate money, food, clothing, time, etc. Any type of help will go a long way!”

Help relieve their pain by donating.

Just like how we managed to receive timely updates during the Iran Election, social media has again brought us the latest news around the world when traditional media failed.

We offer our condolences to the victims’ family members and hope Philippines will recover fast from this disaster.