The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on Monday warned the public against fake messages circulating on social media about extreme heat in the State. In a statement, the KSDMA said misleading messages are being shared on WhatsApp as “official warnings”, claiming that temperatures in the State would rise between 45℃ and 55℃ from April 29 to May 12.
The viral message also claims that people should not stay in open areas, warning that “mobile phones could explode due to heat”, and suggesting not filling fuel tanks in vehicles. The authority clarified that the message is being circulated in the name of a “Civil Defence department”, which does not exist in Kerala.
It said the State’s civil defence is a voluntary force operating under the Fire and Rescue Services. The KSDMA further clarified that no such extreme temperature forecast has been issued by the India Meteorological department.
Urging the public not to fall for such misinformation, the authority said all official warnings and advisories should be verified through its official social media pages and website. It also warned that spreading fake information during disaster situations is punishable under Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
