· September, 2009

Stories about Disaster from September, 2009

Philippines: Helping flood victims through social media

A tropical storm hit many parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces in the Philippines last Saturday. Social networking sites were flooded with personal stories, photos and videos of the typhoon's aftermath. The stream of information soon became a “hub” for coordinating rescue and relief efforts for those who had access to the internet

28 September 2009

Philippines: Worst Flooding in 40 Years

Tropical Storm "Ondoy" hit the Philippines last Saturday triggering the worst flooding in 40 years which left 50 people dead and 280,000 residents displaced. Social media sites were maximized to share updates about the storm and to assist flood victims

27 September 2009

Japan: Training for disaster prevention

The first week of September in Japan is the Disaster Prevention Week [ja]. During this week schools, organizations, offices and so on come together to organize disaster prevention training.

27 September 2009

Tunisia: Severe Flooding Kills 15

Flash floods hit Tunisia this week, killing at least 15 people and damaging property in the town of Redeyef in southern Tunisia. Bloggers declare two day of mourning and speak out against a media apparatus which trades on people's miseries to trump up the government.

26 September 2009

West Africa : Victims of Floods Call for Help

Last weeks’ torrential rains triggered disastrous floodings (Fr), killing 159 people and affecting over 600,000 in a dozen Western Africa countries, unprepared to face seasonal rains growing heavier and heavier....

26 September 2009

Morocco: Don't Blame the Rain

Recent flooding in Morocco has prompted bloggers to air their discontent with their country's lack of sanitation infrastructure. They went around taking pictures and shooting videos, sharing scenes seldom broadcast by the mainstream media. This is their citizen reporting.

19 September 2009

Pakistan: Back Home And Starting A New Life

After nearly two months of living in squalor in temporary camps the displaced people of the Swat region of Pakistan were allowed to go back home from July 13th. Although they still face uncertainties and challenges, there are signs of normalcy as many of the displaced families are now starting a new life.

15 September 2009

Palestine: The 9/11 Industry

While Katrina is a distant memory, the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks on the US is being used to fuel a “9/11 industry,” writes Al Falasteeniya.

12 September 2009

Indonesia: A generous president?

Martin insists that the Indonesian president has claimed that he donated 58.8 percent of his total personal wealth for the victims of the 7.0 strong earthquake that rocked Java last...

7 September 2009

Russia: Blogger vs Journalist

Foreign Policy's Net.Effect writes about the coverage of the accident at Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric dam in the Russian mainstream and new media, and the use of blogging by the “authoritarian regimes.”

5 September 2009

Pakistan: Death On Reality Show

The death of a Pakistani reality show participant has been subject to hot debate in the Pakistani Blogosphere. Bloggers question the creditability of these kinds of entertainment shows, which lack security measures, and the liability of the corporate giants who commission them.

5 September 2009