People surf Net for updates on floods, rescue
MANILA, Philippines—Netizens trooped to social networks to get updates on flooded roads, direct rescuers to stricken areas, raise donations and point those stranded to temporary shelters.
Twitter and Facebook accounts were used to share emergency numbers of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine National Red Cross and Philippine Coast Guard, among others.
Twitter was abuzz on Monday night as various government agencies like @dost_pagasa and @MMDA posted updates on areas where floodwaters had reached waist-level.
News outfits like @inquirerdotnet, @dzIQ990, @ANCAlerts and @gmanews dished out information on flooded areas, especially those impassable to vehicles.
‘Rescue PH’
By 2 p.m. on Tuesday, the hashtags #PrayforthePhilippines and #rescuePH were among the top trending topics in the Philippines, alongside keywords “Emergency Hotlines,” “Stay Safe,” “UST Hospital,” “Filipinos,” “DOLE” and “Philippines.”
Pleas for people stranded on rooftops went out. “Rescue needed at Tatalon, QC—residents are on top of their house roofs. Children are involved” was an example.
User @annepili tweeted, “Please help rescue 80# tabing ilog st. kaingin bukid barangay apolonio samson, qc. Nasa bubong na sila [They’re already on the roof].”
Reporters also used Twitter to relay updates from areas they covered, like Dona Dominguez of Radyo Inquirer, who tweeted: “Woman in labor while stranded on the roof in Kasiglahan, Brgy San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal.”
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda (@dawende) tweeted Malacañang’s announcement suspending work in private offices in Metro Manila and nearby areas at around 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Shelter offered
The @MMDA account regularly posted flood updates and responded to questions from the public.
There was also information for those seeking shelter.
University of the Philippines Student Council chair @HEARTdino tweeted: “If you need a dry place, Yakal Lobby is very open, just go there. Thank you very much and keep safe.”
User @nicolebatac added, “Sto. Domingo opened up the church for evacuees but they need donations.”
“All Ayala and SM malls open for temporary shelter for those stranded because of the floods. Store employees are free to head home,” television host @iamsuperbianca tweeted.
User @JoanieOfArc relayed this information from the Red Cross, “If you need to be rescued, call 143 or 527-0000. Put a white blanket outside your house so rescuers can easily locate you.”
Rock Ed Philippines called for donations. Founder @gangbadoy tweeted: “Rock Ed can pick up donations-blankets, clothes, socks. Pero dapat wearable na (wag yung super luma pls) for evac ctrs.”—Compiled by Kate Pedroso, Inquirer Research
