Nepal earthquake: Facebook launches new safety tool for people in affected areas

Facebook's has extended its safety feature to allow people affected by Nepal's earthquake to inform their loved ones of their 'safety status'.

Nepal Earthquake, Earthquake Nepal, #NepalEarthquake, Facebook Safety Check, Safety Check Facebook, World News

Screenshot of the Facebook Home page of a user in the affected area.

Facebook’s has extended its safety feature to allow people affected by Nepal’s earthquake to inform their loved ones of their ‘safety status’.

‘Safety Check’, a feature launched by Facebook in October 2014, tracks people (based on profile information or any other check-in updates) in an area that has been struck by natural disasters.

If a user is in the affected areas, Facebook prompts the user to update their safety status. It then generates a News Feed in your name to inform your Facebook friends whether you’re safe or in need of help.

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Facebook’s Safety Check also allows you to manually update your location if you’re in the affected areas.

The idea of this tool emerged after social media played a crucial role in keeping people connected during the devastating 2011 Japan Tsunami. Safety Check is available globally on Android, iOS, apps of Facebook as well.

For those who are still in Nepal, the tool is a useful way of getting in touch with their loved ones.

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