Dubai: Social media users are doing their best to help the Philippines combat the impact of Typhoon Haiyan. People on Facebook and Twitter are making a concerted effort to help survivors with aid, donations and in any manner possible.
Some of the hash tags that are being used to spread awareness and encourage humanitarian aid are #PrayForThePhilippines, #YolandaPh, #RescuePH, #TyphoonHaiyan and #BangonPilipinas.
Many also took to the social media channels to connect with others about their family members suffering or missing.
Joserie Canete using the handle #Sijoikini tweeted to Gulf News: “My aunt together with her husband and children are in Naga Naga Tacloban city. Rescue operation has not yet reached in their area.”
A Dubai-based Filipina, she told the newspaper that her relatives have been trapped on the second floor of their house since Friday.
She said: “As the road is not passable, rescue teams have not been able to reach their area yet. My aunt’s husband managed to get down in order to go look for food and to contact us and tell us that they are fine despite the circumstances.”
Canete points to the power of social networking channels in times of tragedy, as news is rapidly updated and in her case has been very helpful in terms of staying informed on the progress of the typhoon.
Facebook user Rosario Volz posted on a public Facebook page that she had still not heard from her family since Friday. She wrote: “I’m very desperate for your help to all of my loved ones in the Philippines, especially my parents… I have been in tears ever since the landfall of the Yolanda typhoon, where most of my loved ones are… Can’t sleep just wondering how they are.”
Most users stressed that all help counts and some posted prayers, along with words of support.
#Y2K_Dolphin tweeted: “#RescuePH if we the world dare to challenge Nature, then this is the moment to show that together we can overcome #TyphoonHaiyan”.
Similarily, another Facebook user, Jhaniz Cortes-Quisido, posted on a public hash tag: “Heartbreaking news in Tacloban, Philippines. The world’s strongest typhoon has caused painful experiences. Nevertheless, we can always help in many ways #PrayersForPhilippines”.
#Michael5SOSPH, a Filipino, expressed pride in his people and their strength by tweeting: “They survived the strongest storm. I’m proud to be a Filipino... #PrayForThePhilippines”.
Similarly #Trishaaav praised the strength of the people of Philippines by retweeting: “Torn and broken, but still, standing #PrayForThePhilippines #BangonPilipinas.”
Donia Jenabzadeh is a trainee at Gulf News
