Twitter users force US to land blocked plane full of medicine

by Spence Cooper on 01/19/10 at 10:28 am

Social Media Doing Good

During the initial stages of food flights into Port-au-Prince airport, the U.S. military diverted over fifty flights with food, medicine and supplies; some were forced to go elsewhere for more fuel, and some had to return home. At one point, the American Red Cross were forced to set up a land bridge between Haiti and the Dominican Republic and fly supplies into Santo Domingo, then transport them to Port-au-Prince. Flights from The World Food Program carrying food, medicine and water were also diverted last week because airlifting Americans out of Haiti and landing U.S. troops and equipment took priority.

On Monday, New York Daily News reported that when a Doctors Without Borders cargo plane full of medicine was blocked from landing at the congested Port-au-Prince airport, the group sent a flurry of tweets about the blockage; Twitter users then bombarded the U.S. Air Force’s Twitter account with demands that the plane be let in. Less than an hour later, the plane was on the tarmac and a second was on the way.

This is a perfect illustration of how social media can have an effect in real time creating populist change. Additionally, as we reported yesterday, pressure must be put on Haitian officials to ensure that the millions of dollars donated actually get to the Haitian people. Haitian leaders are notoriously corrupt and must be held accountable. Please remember to call, write or email your representatives to ensure that the citizens of Haiti get every single dollar pledged not only for food, but to rebuild their homes and the country’s infrastructure.

It is not too late to help, below is a list of reputable agencies that are currently assisting with the crisis. Every little bit helps.

The American Red Cross

Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 (billed to your phone)

The United Nations World Food Program

The Salvation Army

Action Against Hunger

Project HOPE

Partners in Health