Storm Harvey: victims asked to call not tweet

Storm Harvey: victims asked to call not tweet

August 29, 2017   10:56 am

The US Coast Guard is asking people not to seek help via social media if they need assistance during Storm Harvey. It is urging them to “keep trying” the emergency phone numbers as many people are tweeting their addresses and asking to be rescued.

However it is possible that not all the requests will be spotted - and they may not all be genuine.

“The web is messy and unpredictable,” said Euan Semple, who advises on the impact of social media on businesses and society.

“You have to be able to judge signal from noise.”

Mr Semple added that persuading people to follow the Coast Guard’s advice would be challenging.

“If you’re in an extreme situation, and you can’t get access through formal channels, and there is the prospect of help from somewhere else helping your signal to be seen, it would be tough not to.”

Residents of a care home were rescued after an image of them waist-deep in floodwater went viral on Twitter.

Facebook has activated its safety check-in in Texas so that affected members can mark themselves safe.

- BBC
- Agencies 

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

'Will take legal action over the abduction in Weligama' - Minister (English)

'Will take legal action over the abduction in Weligama' - Minister (English)

Four provinces identified as high-risk zones for spread of dengue (English)

Vocational education will be crucial for Sri Lanka's renaissance – PM Harini (English)

New Tourism Act to be formulated; Necessary reforms to be initiated – Dy Minister (English)

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin 6.55 pm

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Lunch Time News Bulletin 12.00 pm

'Praja Shakthi' national programme launched to eradicate poverty (English)

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena remanded (English)