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World turns Twitter in crisis

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Twitter users worldwide have been turning to the social media site to form a global community during the Christchurch earthquake disaster.
Increasingly media outlets were releasing their upcoming headlines prior to running their stories on the web and members of the public were rallying for support or seeking lost loved ones.
The most used hashtag on the site #EQNZ has been updating at a rate of around 20 new posts every 30 seconds for the first three days but by Thursday had slowed down to ten posts.
The New Zealand media has been using twitter to try and organise interviews on their arrival. Many television reporters would post to say they were arriving in Christchurch and ask if anyone would be interested in talking to them on camera.
Among the many updates coming through was a statement from Fairfax media through their social media editor Greer McDonald at stuff saying they were sad to confirm one of their colleagues at The Press newsroom was among the dead.
One of the more heart warming first person accounts from Auckland businessman Craig Garner who relayed a message from his child: “Our six yr old collected his tools and wanted to help get Christchurch “fixed” He estimated it would take him and his brother 97 days.”
Twitter has been used by many organisations to alert the public of places they can donate. Women’s Refuge said they need (baby) wipes, nappies, hand sanitiser, sanitary pads. Arise church asked people to bring in 20 litre water containers, long life milk, instant noodles and spreads like jam and peanut butter but the main message coming through is cash donations. Although largely positive messages there have been tweets asking people to make sure they have their facts are correct before posting as so many people were using the service to gain information.
Celebrities worldwide are also turning to twitter to raise awareness. Writer Neil Gaiman has been tweeting regularly with updates as his wife singer Amanda Palmer is understood to be currently in New Zealand as part of her ‘Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under’ tour.
New Zealand’s Next Top Model judge and host of New Zealand’s Hottest Home Baker Colin Mathura-Jeffree seemed to be glued to his twitter account relaying messages to his followers with the latest updates and support.
Glee actor Cory Monteith who plays Finn said: “New Zealand needs your help! Go to http://www.redcross.org.nz/ to donate. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kia Kaha!” Other celebrities include Ellen Degeneres (sp), Adam Lambert, Stephen Fry and Kylie Minogue.


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