Across the Belgian capital today, taxi drivers have turned off their meters and citizens have opened their doors to each other to offer a safe haven while the Brussels authorities have locked down the city.
Much like the situation as it unfolded in Paris on November 13th last year, social media has played an important role for Bruxellois residents to check in and offer refuge to others. Amid the news of more than 30 deaths in attacks on Zaventem Airport and Maalbeek Metro Station, several trending hashtags have emerged on Twitter, inviting anyone unable to reach secure areas a place to take shelter.
"If you live near a train station, open your door to people. Many are stuck far from where they live, without transport," wrote one user.
Si vous habitez près d'une gare, ouvrez vos portes. Bcp de gens bloqués loin de chez eux, sans transports. #brusselsattack #BrusselsWelcome
— Benjamin Peltier (@BenjaminPeltier) March 22, 2016
Those needing a friendly face look for #BrusselsWelcome. People opening their homes close to metros #Brussels
— Remedial Wife (@RemedialWife) March 22, 2016
#Brusselswelcome we have a warm place and coffee if you are in the street around #ArtLoi.
— Maureen (@mrnvdb_) March 22, 2016
We have plenty of space for those that need an #OpenHouse after #brusselsattack . Stephanie area pic.twitter.com/QBTfxVvJvf
— Ed Davitt (@davitter) March 22, 2016
#OpenHouse and #PorteOuverte used in Brussels as people offer accommodation for those stranded in wake of attacks pic.twitter.com/KQHaXD99rv
— Felicity Morse (@FelicityMorse) March 22, 2016
With buses and trains no longer running, Brussels taxi drivers are now helping stranded members of the public get away from the airport.
🆘”¼Solidarity actions: It is called to donate blood. Taxi drivers at the airport drive passengers for free in the city from #Brussels.
— Onlinemagazin (@OnlineMagazin) March 22, 2016
In a sign of solidarity we are hearing that all taxi rides are now free in #Brussels. Thank you Brussels taxi drivers
— Cait Hayes (@ClontarfCait) March 22, 2016
Taxi drivers in Brussels are helping to evacuate people. Solidarity is beautiful.
— انيسة (@2_Anissa) March 22, 2016
Kind taxi drivers are now evacuating people for free from the airport. #Brussels
— Hamo (@KekHamo) March 22, 2016
For the breaking news on this morning's attacks in Brussels, please follow the Newstalk liveblog here.