Social media, the lone weatherman in Chennai rains

Hyderabad: Right from the very start of Chennai’s flooding crisis, social media has helped co-ordination of relief efforts and has even become the de facto weatherman.
Chennai weather, Chennai floods were the most searched titles in Social media and Twitter on Wednesday. Techies and netizens used their Facebook and Watsapp accounts flooding the sites with pictures and videos of marooned localities.

#Chennai floods was the fourth most trended title on Twitter handles until Wednesday night. There were also tweets from rain victims from Velachery and Ashok Nagar trending till late night. For example, real-time flooding maps have been created by Chennai citizens which are flagging risk-prone areas. Thousands are now relying on these 'heat maps' to gain some insight and guidance into some of the city's worst affected areas.

Two of the biggest hashtags that have surfaced are #ChennaiRainsHelp and #ChennaiFloods. Users posting information on relief camps, food distribution centres and locations of restaurants offering food supplies have been asked to tweet or post under the two hashtags. Another example of help via technology is Chennai rains — an independent weather-blogging community which has been providing regular, accurate updates on the weather and rain in Chennai.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and dismissed IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt posted most insensitive posts on Chennai flooding on Twitter. However, according to the Twitter, the account of Mr Swamy is “not official”.

His tweet was; @swamy39: Chennai rain water flooding is actually due to PC’s Uzbekis tears at the loss of their business. Blame ED and IT for it.
Whereas, the suspended cop tweeted: @sanjeevbhatt Dear Chennai, Hope the Cows are safe. Should the Centre step in to ensure their safety? Take care, The ever concerned Nationalist Bhakt