Parisians, tourists use #PorteOuverte tag to seek, provide shelter from attacks

As details of what happened were officially confirmed ordinary Parisians created a hashtag #PorteOuverte offering shelter to people who now found themselves on the streets in a city in lock-down. If tonight’s events have in anyway shocked you and you need to talk, please private message me. “Stay safe and stay indoors”.

“If it ever happened to me, I’d never have the resources to put myself up in a hotel”, she said, saying she knows staying for an unknown amount of time at a hotel might not be doable for a few people.

Facebook also launched a “Paris Terror Attacks” check-in feature to let people signal that they were safe to friends and acquaintances on the social networking site.

Selfless taxi drivers switched off their meters in an attempt to help the anxious pedestrians get back to their families and friends as quickly and safely as possible. We’re feeling especially thankful for technology and social media today, which has made us feel a little less helpless in the wake of this tragedy. Sending love and peace to the people of Paris.

The hastag is bringing relief for many.

The attacks, which took place over a number of hours, are believed to have claimed the lives of more than 140 people, prompting French President Francois Hollande to declare a state of emergency in Paris.

People are also Tweeting #PrayForParis and expressing their disbelief.

Parisians’ rallying to offer strangers refuge in the midst of the deadly shooting attacks unfolding around central Paris has provided a few comfort in the face of abject horror.

Meanwhile, monuments around the world are changing their colours in support of the Paris victims.