New Zealand quake search effort launched over social media

As workers toil to free those still trapped by the earthquake in New Zealand, social media sites have sprung into action to help the rescue effort.
A Google app, the Person Finder: Christchurch Earthquake, February 2011 lets users share and search information about those still missing after the earthquake. The site currently says it is tracking about 5,200 records.
Popular Twitter hashtags for those looking for information on the quake are #eqnz, #nzeq, #christchurch, #chch and #NewZealand. There's also a Twitter account dedicated to sharing information about those from Christchurch who have communicated they are fine, called @safeinchch, meaning Safe in Christchurch.
Does anyone know if Lake Terrace Road, Christchurch has been hit by the quake? Looking for Frank and Ann Downy #eqnzcontact
The New Zealand branch of the Red Cross is asking people to follow the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management department @NZcivildefence for updates.
Our site is down due to high traffic - sorry. Use http://www.civildefence.govt.nz & follow @NZcivildefence for #CHCH #EQNZ updates
By
Hayley Tsukayama
| February 22, 2011; 11:20 AM ET
Categories:
Digital culture, Social media
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