The recent flooding in Iowa will impact us all in more ways than we can imagine. People who are feeling the pain at the pump are set to feel the pinch even more with the cost of food increasing over the coming months. Crops, churches, hospitals, homes and businesses have all been affected, some completely washed away.

(Picture Credit: DoobyBrain/AP)

Although you can spend time comparing Iowa to Louisiana, it appears that without Katrina, we would not have been as prepared to take on the Iowa floods. We can only hope that the numbers of people providing aid and relief will continue to grow and get better.

(Picture Credit: www.craigr.com)

Livingston Communications’ intern Michael Nelson is from Iowa, and he shares some thoughts on what his friends and family are saying.

The damage is incredible – it touches everyone. Many of the families and businesses do not have flood insurance, and those that do are often only minimally covered ($25,000 doesn’t seem like much when you just lost your house and everything in it). Others have lost their jobs or have been transferred indefinitely out of town when the flooding destroyed their workplace. There is a lot to be done, but I also know Iowans, and I know that a lot will be done.

Examples of Using Social Media in a Disaster

Yesterday on Blogs of Fire, Michael highlighted how the Red Cross is using social media to inform communities in and outside Iowa as to what is happening and where people need help.

Alistair Croll at GigaOm pointed to the California wildfires last year which created a rapidly moving community that was desperate for information, and showed a need for maps, Twitter, and mobile communications.

One of Livingston Communications’ clients, FortiusOne, has demonstrated how mapping and data can be used in a time of crisis. From economic impact to waterflow watches, flood zones and flood insurance statistics; all demographic data is useful for a clear picture of what is happening in Iowa and will be helpful for first responders, aid workers, and government officials alike.

What Can You Do?

We can all say that we want to use social media for good and not evil, but when it comes down to it, can we really take action when it’s needed?

(Photo Credit: American Red Cross Flickr)

Take the time to post a blog about Iowa and what you can do to help. Write a tweet or two and include a link to donate money. Spread the word on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Consider Iowa, China, Myanmar, Darfur, and all of the other countries in need right now. Take a step back and look at the big picture.

If social media and blogs have the power to reach the Associated Press and create multiple online discussions, then why can’t we use it to reach the government aid workers, and those in need?

How to Help

American Red Cross

Hands On Disaster Response (HODR)

United Way of Iowa