Social media comes to rescue of the stranded in Chennai

Various people on Twitter, Facebook and other websites have been offering information and co-ordinates for rescue missions

As rains pelted the city, the denizens of Chennai took to social media and websites to co-ordinate rescue missions.

Twitter has been on the forefront to connect people across the city to share information, pictures, contacts, SOS requests etc. Several hashtags #ChennaiRainsHelp,  #ChennaiRains have mushroomed in the last 24 hours to let people know about the help awaiting around their corner. Quite a few people even offered shelter in their houses through Twitter.

Contact numbers of rescue teams, co-ordinating agencies and others, along with traffic details and instructions were also shared through the social media.

Facebook has also become an important tool for many to share information and share information on availability of basic amenities including food, shelter and clothes for the people in the flood hit areas.

Information has also passed on through the online chat platforms including Whatsapp groups. Besides, co-ordination of shelter and food were also handled through temporary croud-sourced websites like Chennairains.org.

The city, which houses quite a few experts in technology and tech startups, has seen innovative initiatives such as SaveChennai and Floodmap Chennai. Start ups including Ola and StayZilla also came up with their unique ideas to transport and find a shelter to those who were affected in the flood.