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Global Solidarity for Missing Malaysian Plane MH370

Categories: East Asia, Malaysia, Disaster, Travel

Trendsmap showing global Twitter discussion on MH370 [1]

Trendsmap showing global Twitter discussion on MH370

Almost two weeks have passed since a Malaysian Airlines plane went missing during its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing but authorities are still unable to locate it and its 239 passengers. The search for flight MH370 [2] has been expanded after more than a week of unsuccessful attempt to locate it around the area where it was last detected on radar.

Because of lack of official information about the status of MH370, many people turned to speculation and other less credible theories [3] that seek to explain the mysterious disappearance of the plane. Misinformation is adding to the misery of relatives and friends of passengers of MH370. Some of the relatives have expressed anger and frustration over the lack of any positive update about the search for the missing plane.

Perhaps what gives them inspiration and the courage to survive the crisis is the outpouring of solidarity and messages of support from all over the world.

Prime Minister Najib Razak is grateful [4] to all countries which are helping Malaysia in the search for MH370:

As of today, 14 countries, 43 ships and 58 aircraft are involved in the search. I wish to thank all the governments for their help at such a crucial time.

Susan Ng A. Suan was overwhelmed [5] by the global support received by Malaysia:

It is so heart warming to see nations and people from around the world, coming together in one united effort, to help in the search and rescue operations for MH370.

Thank you to these countries for having relentlessly scoured the skies, seas and land for MH370

And also the 2.3 million people worldwide who are crowdsourcing and spending hours painfully scrutinising satellite imageries.

This is an amazing demonstration of faith in humanity restored.

Filipino students hold a candle lighting ceremony in honor of passengers of MH370. Photo from Kathy Yamzon [6]

Filipino students hold a candle lighting ceremony in honor of passengers of MH370. Photo from Kathy Yamzon

England's Liverpool club is touched by the Twitter message of the daughter of the chief steward of MH370:

Many netizens are using the hashtag #PrayForMH370 to show support for the relatives of the missing passengers. It also highlights the global sympathy and concern for the missing MH370. Below are some photos from many countries expressing support for Malaysia: