Japan Earthquake on Twitter, Sina Weibo and Google

With micro-blogs, we have more options to keep ourselves updated with news, especially on natural disaster. Both giant micro-blogging platforms from the East and the West are roaring with ‘Japan earthquake’ related updates.

Twitter’s trending list are dominated by Japan’s earthquake which includes #tsunami, #prayforjapan and #japan. Following the stream of tweets helps users to understand the story in real-time. 4 hours ago, BBC tweeted that Tsunami warnings were issued for Guam, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Micronesia and Hawaii.

In fact, the Tsunami has already reached Guam but with light impact. That was tweeted minutes ago at the point of writing. The tsunami will hit Hawaii soon, according to Twitter user @ToriTolalau (take note, residents of Hawaii). Over 70,000 disney visitors are trapped as Tokyo Disneyland is flooded with water.

China’s largest microblog, Sina Weibo, has a dedicated page set up for users to share news, thoughts and discussion about the earthquake. Despite the political tension both countries were facing in the last couple of months, Chinese users are seen sending their wishes and prayers for the victims in Japan. The WSJ has also reported that China has offered Japan support for quake relief. Other countries, which have offered help includes U.S and U.K. It was the same on YouKu, China’s YouTube, where a dedicated page with Japan earthquake videos was set up for the Chinese to understand the situation better. In the last 5 hours, the top video news has attracted over 630,000 views and over 3,000 comments.

Google has played its part by launching a disaster person finder for victims in Japan. It has also built a Crisis Response page which offers extensive information including news, train details and emergency dials. Below is a shake intensity map in Japan and also a video on the quake found on Google’s page. We’re are still looking for an avenue to donate and help Japan. Feel free to list credible sources under the comment section below.

Image courtesy of AFP