As flood waters deluged Kerala, several relief agencies pitchforked into action to help the suffering State swim out of trouble. But the amplifying power of social media turned out to be a big lifeline for stranded people.

Facebook quickly activated safety check and disaster management tools that helped relief agencies to reach the affected as well as for individuals to assure their kin that they were safe. Facebook, in partnership with SEEDS India, an NGO, also prepared disaster maps for Kerala. These maps track people’s movement and demarcate between the flood-hit and safe zones. People also used Google Maps to pinpoint the location of stranded relatives so that rescue agencies could reach them quickly.

In terms of the resources raised, again, the amplifying power of social media really showed the power of networks, and influencers. For instance, the Community Help and Crisis Donation Button on Facebook have helped raise over a million dollars as of date. On Twitter, relentless appeals made by influencers to donate to the CM’s relief fund boosted collections.

Overnight Facebook groups like Kerala Flood Relief came up and as of date has swelled to 4,100 members. Other groups like Flood Technology Support Kerala 2018 (653 members) also have helped people exchange information about the affected and provide help. According to Facebook, more than 1,200 people used its Community Help to request aid, asking for help in procuring food, water, transportation and shelter.

On Twitter, more than 2.62 million tweets have been shared across India and around the world using hashtag #Keralafloods. And, as #Rebuilding Kerala is increasingly gaining momentum bringing together the country to help the flood ravaged State, it is interesting to note that August 23 is the 11th anniversary of the birth of the hashtag. The most influential symbol of the digital age has played no small part in the success of several humanitarian initiatives. CN

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