#PorteOuverte - Parisians use Twitter to offer shelter to strangers

Paris: A show of solidarity, unity, brotherhood and empathy always follows deadly terror attacks in any party of the world.

And people in Paris exhibited the same by taking to social media by offering refuge to those in need, after multiple, co-ordinated terror attacks left over 15 dead.

Amid the chaos on the streets of the French capital, a hashtag - #porteouverte - started trending on Twitter. Porte Ouverte in English means "open door".

As authorities urged people to evacuate the streets, the hashtag started being used on Twitter to offer shelter.

As per Reuters, the hashtag trended globally, with more than 400,000 Tweets using it, in the few hours since its creation.

"This account will be used for tweeting and retweeting places to stay safe tonight," said a post from @PorteOuverteFRA, a Twitter handle opened within hours of the attacks.

Dozens of addresses and phone numbers for apartments were being tweeted on the handle, and it was retweeting offers of accommodation from other individuals.

Here's what some of the people tweeted:

Sad day. If any French person is stuck in San Francisco and can't fly back home, you are welcome in my house. #PorteOuverte

— Mohammad Almalkawi (@moh) November 14, 2015

Parisians open their homes. Search #PorteOuverte if needed. This is why terrorists will never win; they can't take our humanity.

— Rachael Leahcar (@rachaeleahcar) November 14, 2015

RT @TWestfield: My Friends are safe, in a random woman's home. She's making them dinner, & preparing beds. Blessed. #PorteOuverte

— J. Kenner (@juliekenner) November 14, 2015

Rue Saint Maur in the 11th arrondissement, we have room for you #PorteOuverte

— Benoît Jaubert (@benoitjaubert) November 14, 2015

I have a home in 18th, I speak english and french #PorteOuverte #PortesOuvertes

— Sarah (@lemaldelinfini) November 14, 2015

I have room for stranded people near chatelet. Tell me if you're in need, #PorteOuverte.

— Arnaud Dupuis (@ArnaudDupuis) November 14, 2015

If need a shelter in the 18th district, follow and DM, there is a #porteouverte here #AttentatsParis

— Quentin Cogitore (@QuentinCogitore) November 14, 2015