Digital Response to Japanese Disaster

The 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that happened in Japan before last week ended was so strong it moved the Nippon country nearer to the United States and even tilted the earth’s axis and shortened the day. That is taking the scientific point of view. In terms of ICT, well, the disaster also takes the spotlight.

THE TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES. A Sydney Morning Herald article sums it best: “Google Inc. has an online ‘person finder’ for people seeking information about a missing person. Microsoft Corp. is offering free technical support and temporary software licenses to companies affected by the earthquake. It has also pledged $250,000 in cash. Twitter is trying to help organize the flood of information flowing through its system. It is suggesting people use certain tags for general earthquake information, requests for rescue and other related topics. Amazon.com Inc. and Yahoo Inc. have links on their home pages encouraging people to donate to the relief efforts.” (Click here for article)

Of course, these companies have since also been offering digital ways to donate to Japan's efforts at recovery. “Apple has set up an option on its iTunes software to allow registered users to donate from $5 to $200 to the American Red Cross simply by clicking a button for the chosen amount. The Red Cross has also launched a campaign on Facebook through the social media giant's Causes function…” Also, “Twitter was updating by the second, continually refreshing information and advice as well as directing people to resources on the ground and offering ways to donate to help survivors.” (Click here for full article)

THE PEOPLE. But the response is not limited to the tech giants because ICT is also giving Japanese citizens and other people the chance to help and, well, speak out. Twitter users are sending infinite streams of messages of support to survivors of the quake-tsunami disaster. Messages commending (some criticizing) Japanese leaders also abound. Zynga gamers are asked to donate money through the purchase of virtual goods in CityVille, FrontierVille, FarmVille and its other games for its Save the Children's Japan Earthquake Tsunami Emergency Fund.

If all is to be named, this blog will go on non-stop. So let this be finished with a THANK YOU for the blessings of ICT. And of course, my prayers for Japan and its people.

- Phebean Belle A. Ramos, entry #17

Image Source: http://www.jokelibrary.net/xOtherNtoZ/plane-supp.html

Sources: http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110314/ts_yblog_thelookout/japans-earthquake-shifted-balance-of-the-planet; http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/japanese-light-up-twitter-on-govt-quake-response-20110316-1bw5b.html; http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/tech-companies-pitch-in-on-earthquake-response-20110315-1but4.html; http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/digital-ways-to-donate-to-japan-disaster-relief-20110314-1bub2.html