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After deadly terror attacks in Brussels early Tuesday morning, many social media users are using hashtags to invite stranded victims to seek refuge in their homes.
Hashtags have gained attention in Dutch, French and German, all of which are recognized as Belgium's official languages.
One such hashtag, #OpenHouse, offers a safe and warm place to stay, and many have offered comfort and tea or coffee. The French translation #PorteOuverte has been used as well to offer stranded travelers affected by flight cancellations in London and Barcelona places to stay, showers and wifi.
According to Buzzfeed News, the original hashtag was created by Alexandre Alaphilippe, a communications manager, who occasionally works with the emergency services. He told Buzzfeed a friend of his had a similar hashtag that was successful during the November Paris attacks and that he was "just providing something to help people to get organized."
#BrusselsWelcome and #IkWilHelpen, which translates from Dutch to "I want to help," have also been trending.
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