NBC News on January 10 reported that countless people were panicked and afraid after receiving warnings to evacuate to avoid the terrible forest fire raging in the Los Angeles area (California state), before realizing that it was a fire. false warning.
“An evacuation warning has been issued for your area,” according to the initial alert with a loud sound sent to about 9.3 million mobile phones.
A terrible forest fire burned down the million-dollar homes of many Hollywood stars
Resident Thomas Jenkins said he was calling his family to report his condition when an alert was sent to his phone. “I immediately jumped up and started packing everything even though I lived in the downtown area,” the New York Post quoted him as saying.
“I continued until I heard about the false warning. It was irresponsible, annoying and caused unnecessary panic,” Mr. Jenkins was angry.
Californians evacuate amid severe wildfires
Another resident said that many people were extremely panicked. “My poor upstairs neighbor was extremely panicked and left in a panic,” this person said.
Site reporter Bernie Zilio Page Six who lives with her husband and children in the city of Angels, said the false alarm was an act “beyond negligence”.
“I immediately started packing my luggage, which had been left near the door for the past two days, while my husband continued to watch the news. The anchor’s phone rang at the same time as ours, and everyone People live in different places, so their first reaction is to question whether the warning is valid,” she said.
A few minutes later, a second alert was sent, urging people to ignore the initial message and clarifying that the evacuation warning was only for those living near the Kenneth fire that broke out on the afternoon of January 9 (local time). ).
“This warning is only for residents of Calabasas and Agoura Hills, and those in the West Hills community of Los Angeles,” said Kevin McGowan, director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management.
He admitted it was mistakenly sent to nearly 10 million people. “We understand that these bushfires have caused great anxiety, hardship and suffering for people, and we are committed to sharing accurate information,” he said.
At least 180,000 people have been forced to evacuate due to fires in California. According to Reuters, at least 7 people were killed, although authorities said the total number was unknown.
