So, if you haven’t been following the news, flooding is prompting a Red Cross response on both national and international levels. Our chapter alone has already sent out one volunteer to assist with recovery plans in Atlanta, Georgia.

Internationally, a tragic flooding emergency has displaced more than 430,000 people in the Philippines and left over 100 dead. What is bringing hope to this situation is an innovative use of Twitter and Facebook to post escape routes and meeting spots, as well as putting fundraising efforts through the social media conduit.

Creative use of networking sites have been seen before, most recently in Iranian demonstrations and, for Portlanders, Dave Chappelle’s surprise midnight show back in July. With viral media showing up to combat floods and create virtual protests, it’s clearly more than a pastime for college kids and over-protective parents!

Photo courtesy of dawn.com