Monsoon is here and being vigilant is better than being sorry. Arm yourself with these social media during crisis lessons and an umbrella, of course.
A few days ago, Mumbai got its first set of monsoon showers and while it brings a relief from the scorching sun, one can't help but remember last year's deluge, if not the July 2005. And if forecasts are to be believed, June 7, 8, and 9 too are bound to get heavy to very heavy rainfalls. Every time it rains heavily, the city is brought to a standstill. However, Twitter is not. We bring to you eight social media during crisis lessons you shouldn't forget in times of a monsoon crisis.
Do not forward
Always rationalise the evidence of destruction and check it's source (you can check fact-check websites and their social media handles) before you forward anything. As a golden rule, refrain from forwarding anything during a monsoon crisis!
Already many uploaded on YouTube as BandraWorli Sealink.
— SM Hoax Slayer (@SMHoaxSlayer) December 5, 2017
Fellows, do you even know how it look likes ? Huge Pillars with wires.
Plus two wheelers and walking is not allowed. @MumbaiPolice pls note. This may result in panic. pic.twitter.com/Bcb9UeIfhE
Appreciate the ones in uniform
Being frustrated is fine but don't take it out on the ones in uniform, especially on social media. They are the doing the best they can, usually more than their capacity. Drop an appreciation post or two but don't rant during the time of a crisis for it can go in two horrible ways — decrease their morale and become a fake forward. You can, of course, wait for the rains to pass and make a formal complaint.
कर्तव्यदक्ष महाराष्ट्र पोलीस. #Mumbai #MumbaiRain #MumbaiRain #MumbaiMonsoon #Monsoon2018 #Monsoon #MumbaiPolice pic.twitter.com/skevKkSkWs
— kaivalya ? (@kaivalyatweets) June 5, 2018
Trust only verified accounts
Mumbai police officials deserve all the gratitude in the world for helping Mumbaikars feel safe in times of a crisis. Trust their tweets and re-tweet them as well. However, don't share screenshots of old tweets, only the most recent ones.
Pls don't believe in rumours. 'Cyclone Phyan' details are of 2009 & the coordinates are of 2009 too. pic.twitter.com/MTgGvngODx
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) August 29, 2017
Also Read: Mumbai Rains: #RainHosts to the rescue
Confirm from the right people
It is completely fine to have doubts and to even panic in a monsoon crisis. However, you must confirm from the right people, rather than going about sharing those doubts and supposed evidence to support your claim among your peer group.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link is fully functional today as like any other day.
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) December 5, 2017
If you are stuck
Last year, many people had thrown their homes open for strangers to take shelter. If your phone is in working condition, keep track of such tweets and hashtags.
Messages which feel like sunshine on a rainy day, like today #MumbaiRains #SaluteMumbai #rainhosts @TekiRosh @PWNeha @varungrover pic.twitter.com/lMqDB8wFWX
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) August 29, 2017
NEVER make a crisis communal
We repeat, NEVER! Stay away from sharing jokes that are in bad taste against a community or an individual. A crisis strikes everyone the same. Actions like these will only make it worse.
Agar @ravishndtv Mumbai me taxi driver hote. #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/LhQXW4kzqT
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) August 31, 2017
Political jokes can wait, SERIOUSLY!
Frustration and distress levels are already high during a crisis. Do not post things that can make it worse, especially using the same hashtag. You are simply ruining the chances of any relief work that might be getting done at the time.
This #Mumbairains showed wat #BMC is up to @mohitkamboj_bjp ji @BJYM4Mumbai pic.twitter.com/dYHvxYxqo8
— Tahaves (@Tahavesmshaikh) August 31, 2017
Also Read: How would you use Social Media during natural disasters?
Join in the spirit
Your anger is justified and must be expressed. However, wait till the crisis has been averted. Only being hopeful helps when there is water all around. Try to keep your calm, at least online and help those who are in need.
The sprit of #MumbaiPolice and #Mumbaikars. #MumbaiRains #MumbaiFlooded @MumbaiPolice pic.twitter.com/X4WxUX8CbN
— salil sand (@isalilsand) August 31, 2017
Is there more than needs to be kept in mind during a monsoon crisis? Tell us in the comments or write to us at team@socialsamosa.com.