SNS plays a critical role in rescue efforts in the Philippines

“Madam, my sister is visiting your beautiful town and we haven’t heard from her for more than 24 hours. She is staying at Corto del Mar hotel. From Dolce Bermundo.”

“Corto del Mar Hotel, please give info on this query, thanks!.” (Coron Mayor’s office)

“I’ve just heard that my sister is safe (from the hotel). Thank you.” (Dolce Belmundo)

These were posted only in an hour on the Facebook page of the Mayor of Coron, one of the most affected areas hit by the typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Although power and telephone wires are cut off by the storm, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are playing a critical role in finding missing people or delivering breaking news.

CNN said residents in the affected areas are asking for help by posting pictures on their individual Twitter or Facebook pages.

Google’s person finder website (google.org/personfinder/2013-yolanda) dedicated a section for finding missing people.

The Pope was the first to send a message of consolation for the Philippines on his Twitter on Saturday. About 80 percent of the country’s population is catholic.

“I ask all of you to join me in prayer for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda especially those in the beloved islands of the Philippines.”

The Pope’s online prayer message re-tweeted by tens of thousands of people in a second and is spreading throughout the world.