Web Philanthropy Peaks in Tsunami's Wake

The Internet is once again playing an integral role in disaster relief as Web users from around the world offer online donations to aid the victims of the recent South Asia earthquake and tsunami.

Relief agencies have reported high traffic and heavy support from their Internet sites, and companies such as AOL and Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN), are offering users a chance to help disaster victims through links on their Web pages.

While there were reports of some site outages because of the large number of users seeking ways to help victims, it appears the support efforts online are successfully responding to the devastating events.

Red Cross

Red Cross spokesperson Carrie Martin told TechNewsWorld that a spike in the group's Web site traffic corresponded to a significant boost in support.

"We've had an amazing response," she said. "We've seen an incredible influx [of Internet traffic]."

As of today, the Red Cross had taken in US$18 million in pledged support. "A lot of that is online giving, we know, because it is instantaneous," Martin said. "We know what people have given. The magnitude is really apparent as people are reacting."

Support from the Web

For years, the Internet has served as a rallying point for relief efforts, with agencies and organizations increasingly utilizing the good will of those fortunate enough to have access to technology.

After the September 11 terrorist attacks, numerous groups and companies used the Internet to organize and collect donations for victims and relief efforts.

More recently, according to Martin, the Red Cross saw online support emerge for victims of the summer's series of hurricanes, with Internet traffic and donations spiking just after each storm hit.

Martin said relief for the devastating tsunami in South Asia, viewed as one of the worst natural disasters in a generation, was proportionate to the scope of the disaster.

While this summer's hurricanes brought in $19 million over ten days, the response to the South Asia tragedy has brought in $18 million in just three days, Martin said.

Doing What's Right

While the public is responding to the sorrowful images of the Tsunami and its aftermath, companies are also doing their part to both offer and generate support. Amazon's call for Red Cross relief aid was answered by nearly 75,000 users, who donated almost $4.5 million as of today.

UK users donated 20 million pounds (US$39 million) to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), sending support through a toll-free phone number and via the Web. There have also been reports of Web site assistance in helping victims find lost loved ones and communicate with one another.

Donate Safely

As much of a benefit as the Internet can be in quickly gathering support for those who need it, disasters such as the recent Tsunami are also often the basis of donation scams.

In addition, the number of attempts at identity theft and other online crime has risen dramatically over the last year, according to security experts.

Officials advised those making donations online to be suspicious of e-mail solicitations and seek out reputable organizations that they are interested in supporting.