Social media and relief efforts now go hand in hand when it comes to national crises. Social media has changed the way people can help with relief efforts during a crisis. This can be seen with the online relief efforts that social media sites have enacted in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Social Media and Relief Efforts in the Philippines

Social media has been one way Filipinos have been able to communicate their needs in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. With the use of smartphones and the Internet, people affected by the typhoon have utilized social media such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter to publicize what supplies are needed, what areas need the most help, and to help find missing family members.

Google

Google has provided a map that lets people know of hospitals, help stations, hard-hit areas, and help organizations. In addition, Google also has a person finder tool where people can help search for missing family members or put up information on their missing person.

Facebook/Twitter

Facebook and Twitter were additional ways people could reach out to the social media community to let people know of their needs and sharing their stories. They are valuable in publicizing the need for relief efforts in the Philippines and encouraging donations. People were able to share photos, updates on the crisis, and share different ways people could help. News stations were able to use these live updates for their broadcasting, which helped spread the need for relief efforts even more.

Social Media and Relief Efforts by the Public 

Social media has made it simple and fast to donate money and aid to relief efforts in the Philippines. Facebook and Twitter have added a banner to their homepage urging users to donate money. Facebook has a “Donate $10” button that makes donating quick and easy. In addition, many Facebook communities have sprung up and started groups that are solely dedicated to relief efforts in the Philippines. Facebook has been a useful tool in sharing fundraising and donation events. Not to mention, social media sites have made it easy to get people to start their own donation and relief efforts. The speediness that social media has provided to relief efforts is unbelievable. Ten years prior, this would be unimaginable. Overall, social media has been a positive impact when it comes to relief efforts during a crisis. The online relief efforts surrounding Typhoon Haiyan has been a good example of how the online community and social media sites have catalyzed relief efforts.

Keywords: Social Media and Relief Efforts, Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines