Twitter Essential For Critical Communications During Christchurch Earthquake Recovery

Alongside traditional channels such as television and radio, Twitter played a pivotal role in relaying critical news and data during the Christchurch earthquake in February, says New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

Knowledge, Information, Research and Technology (KIRT) and other government staff sent out over 5,000 tweets to share vital information – and correct misinformation – with residents of the Christchurch area.

Twitter also allowed those residents to ask questions about road closures, the availability of support, sanitation and electricity, notably through their phones.

“Many affected people did not have access to desktop computers either at home or at work, but mobile data services remained available for many residents,” says KIRT deputy chief executive Stephen Crombie.

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