Blog frenzy on Mumbai attacks
Updated on 27 November 2008
Bloggers across Mumbai feed live updates of the action after last night's terror attacks.
Names of the dead and injured have been posted at the Mumbai Help blog.
The site, which provides occasional information on emergencies in the Bombay area, sprang into life last night with updates and emergency phone numbers.
More than 100 comments have been left on the blog's top post, both from people looking for information on friends or relatives in Mumbai, and from people on the ground offering to help relay messages.
'Was at the Taj Hotel for the last hour; hanging out with the firemen!'Arun Shanbhag
Messages were posted on micro-blogging site Twitter within seconds of the attacks.
Twitterers from around the world are relaying news reports, sharing eye-witness accounts and gossip, as well as emergency numbers and details of hospitals accepting blood donations.
"Fire breaks out at Oberoi hotel," twittered Primaveron at about 2.10pm UK time, followed a minute later by "I can see fire the across the bay".
Arun Shanbhag, who was raised in India and now lives in Boston, twittered from Mumbai today:
"Was at the Taj Hotel for the last hour; hanging out with the firemen!"
"Heard about three blasts; terrorists still holed up inside!"
"Firemen were waiting orders from army to proceed; we did not see fire; just loud bangs and pigeons flying off!"
"After the loud bangs, policemen (in lathis) came by and drove us away; apparently for our own protection."
"Firemen said the loud bangs were grenades! Not sure who was using them."
"Army helicopters were busy circling overhead!"
'Twitterers from around the world are relaying news reports.'
Later he commented: "It is eerily quite here in Colaba! Folks have nothing to do but gather around and gossip."
Images from the scene were posted on photo-sharing site Flickr.
Vinu posted shots of the crowds and debris in the aftermath of the attacks, Ashesh Shah posted pictures of the bloodied scenes, while Magsr was among those posting older pictures of the Taj Hotel in happier times.
If you are concerned about friends or relatives in Mumbai, the Foreign Office has issued a helpline. The number is 0207 008 0000.
Latest travel advice from the FCO
