Social Networks Respond To Haitian Earthquake; Give Loved Ones Relief

I haven’t watched the network news once since a major earthquake struck the impoverished island of Haiti yesterday afternoon, but thanks to Twitter and Facebook I’m up to speed on the devastation and relief efforts that are already underway. Several major news organizations are using the social networks to get the word out, and taking information from social networks for their own broadcasts.

Twitpic and YouTube have seen photos and video coming in from the scene–Citizen Tube is capturing video from the scene, including dramatic rescues from fallen buildings and information from people who lived through the quake. The New York Times has a Twitter list capturing information and reaction from the scene and around the world, and CNN has a list of reporters working on the ground in Haiti. Even the White house has created a special web page encouraging people to give.

Notably what is giving friends and family some relief during this time is not traditional means of communication.  Social networks and Tett messaging have stepped in not only to document the tragedy but to serve as a reliable means to communicate.  In most instances this is the ONLY way those of us based outside of Haiti can get in contact with loved ones on the island.  My how times have changed. The Facebook group Earthquake Haiti is serving as a way for people to upload pictures of loved ones in hopes that they can be identified.  Around 3pm the group’s page was at about 23k members, it is currently at 43,518 members.

If you want to help, here are several options via mobile and the web:

• Give $5 to Yele Haiti, Wyclef’s organization by texting “YELE” TO 501501
• Text “DOB” to 90999 to donate $5 to support Doctors Without Borders in Haiti
• Global Giving has an earthquake relief fund up that is accepting donations now
• Give $10 to the American Red Cross by texting “HAITI” to 90999
• Support Soles4Souls, who is donating 100,000 pairs of new shoes to Haitian quake victims, by giving shoes or money via their website
  

If you know of other organizations offering support to quake victims, please share in the comments below.