Google offers free calls via Hangouts to Belgium, Turkey in wake of terrorist attacks

In view of the terror attacks in Brussels, Google has announced free calls via Hangouts for those who are trying to reach their loved ones in Belgium and Turkey. Explosions at Brussels airport and at a metro station in the Belgian capital during rush hour killed around 35 people and wounded hundreds.

Google stated in it’s blog that, “We are deeply saddened and appalled by the bombings in Brussels today, and by the recent violence in Turkey. Our thoughts are with the victims of these attacks, and their families.” The company is offering calls for Hangouts, Hangouts Dialer and Google Voice. Users can make free calls to people on Belgium’s mobile carriers such as Lycamobile, Mobistar, Proximus, and Telenet, along with all landlines in Turkey as well.

https://twitter.com/google/status/712411003519168512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Additionally, for people in and around Brussels, the company has been publishing Google Now cards with transit updates and a direct link to the Government Crisis Centre. They’ve also added those resources on Google for related searches.

A few days ago, Facebook activated its ‘Safety Check’ tool to help people check on friends and loved ones after the attacks took place in Brussels. In addition, Twitter was also filled with tweets and the hashtag “Brussels Lift” was used by people to ask for rides and offer car spaces.