Keeping connected in times of tragedy…
Posted: Wednesday 23 February, 2011
Georgina Dunkley
Tuesday’s Earthquake in New Zealand has quite literally shook the country and left it in tatters; a devastating and saddening tragedy for the city of Christchurch where the death toll now stands at 75 and over 300 are people still missing.
It is hard to imagine the chaos and upset the natural disaster is causing, despite the video footage and regular news reports, being tucked away safely at home means those degrees of separation cocoon us from harm’s way. That said, the tragedy has unfolded to me and I’m sure many others, in a more direct and personal way as my friends from both overseas and in the UK, post well wishes and report the effects of the earthquake, on Facebook.
One such post left me deeply upset as an old Uni friend who has now settled in New Zealand and recently had a baby girl, updated his wall with the words ‘this is living hell’. He had over 60 comments on that post sending him and his family love, including some from his close family who were asking how they were coping.
I rarely consider Facebook as such an important and powerful communicative tool – really seeing it as a place to share photos and have fun with friends; but in this time of darkness, it really has proven to be a comfort for many people.
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch and all those who have been affected by the earthquake.
