Internet Giants Jump Into Nepal Earthquake Relief and Social Support Efforts
By KYW social media editor Melony Roy
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Following the Nepal earthquake that has left more than 4,000 people dead and many more injured and missing, two Internet companies have activated features help users connect with their loved ones.
Facebook is offering its "Safety Check" feature. When activated, Safety Check locates Facebook users near a disaster site -- through the city listed on their profile or from where they last used the Internet. The user then receives a notification asking to confirm that they are safe or to say they weren't in the affected area.
Those who choose "safe" generate a notification to their friends and followers.
Google, which lost a senior employee in an avalanche as a result of the earthquake, has activated its own disaster tool called "Person Finder," and is updating satellite imagery to help with relief efforts. The company also says it is donating $1 million toward relief efforts.