How Did Social Media Helped People During Calamities?

First and foremost let me make this clear. IT WAS A HUGE HELP, Since most of the news feeds were coming from social media. News anchor and other establishments continue their updates via social media sites.

People are updating every now and then using twitter,google+, facebook etc. Constant updates helped others to be aware of the incidents on other places. Especially facebook when people are uploading videos and images.

EARTHQUAKE IN BOHOL AND CEBU
During the strong earthquake(7.2 magnitude) that hit last month people and netizen's uploaded various images. From fallen structures to the destruction that Bohol had undergone. Even when their are aftershocks people are updating their status.

As soon as an aftershock occurs some online users would took a photo and upload it. This just shows that people would want to share something informative online.

YOLANDA SUPER TYPHOON THAT HIT LEYTE AND NORTHERN CEBU

One of the strongest typhoon's this year that left a scar was super typhoon Yolanda. Social Media was quite helpful especially when it comes to the latest news. News feed would be constantly updated online when people would share their resources of info.

And even when the super typhoon started it's wrath netizen's continued to upload videos and pictures they took. From devastating current videos caught on camera they upload it immediately. It was clear that social media had made a huge impact in providing latest updates.

Never before scenes of pictures and videos that people share online were seen. Since not all parts of Tacloban were being covered by reporters. So people who were able to capture raw videos would upload and would start to share it to their friends.

It was also a huge help during the aftermath. Consistent updates were possible especially to current status of Tacloban Leyte. Images of the city were visible online for people to be aware of what happened.

Other volunteers would take pictures of survivors writing a message. The message was all about "FAMILY NAME WE ARE SAFE or FAMILY NAME WE ARE ALIVE".

This kind of information is quite crucial especially to the relatives. Since this would rest assure them that their love ones are still alive. Since this would preven
t others from worrying too much.

But some messages would just to sad to read. Especially when they tell and write about a family member that died. It's sad but at least and with all due respect it will still be shown for confirmation purposes.

Even international news personnel where forecasting. Internet had been a huge help during those days when it comes to latest news. People and their friends could instantly connect and communicate because of social media.

At the same time some of the Philippine government lapses and sluggish respond were also updated online. CNN personal was able to cover and witnessed how slow the Philippine government's responds.

And that issues went viral online because it was exposed and shared. Information now a days could travel the world in an instant. From one click to another online users could easily get informed.

Sources of the pictures:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151769626161977&set=pb.116724526976.-2207520000.1386263710.&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151755856076977&set=pb.116724526976.-2207520000.1386263744.&type=3&permPage=1