Edelman

The first independent nation in Latin America and the first black-led republic in the world, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and has experienced political violence throughout its history. The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12th further devastated a country already in need.

Figures vary, but it is estimated that 150,000 people were killed in the quake with millions further affected. The tragedy has in many ways, become a modern one, as communications technologies and platforms has allowed news outlets up provide up to date information like never before and expose the true severity of the disaster and conditions suffered.

The use of the internet and social media has been leveraged by organisations and individuals around the world to provide help to those affected. Over 50,000 transactions have been processed in the three weeks since the tragedy according to Realex, a payments service that supports Irish charities. Countless Facebook pages have been created allowing individuals to not only gain information but also play their part by for example organising charity events. Twitter and mobile phone campaigns have also made it easier for people to make donations while Skype and YouTube have allowed people to contact and find out information about relatives that may have been affected.

The disaster in Haiti has shown how social media can be utilised in times of crisis and has proven its worth as a means to mobilise the masses.

David Kinch