Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has strongly refuted a fake WhatsApp message circulating on social media regarding extreme heat warnings. The KSDMA Member Secretary clarified that creating and spreading such false information under the guise of official warnings is a punishable offense under Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
⚠️ The Fake Claims
A message widely shared on WhatsApp, falsely attributed to a “Civil Defense Department,” makes the following claims:
- Temperatures will soar between 45°C and 55°C from April 29 to May 12.
- People must avoid standing in open spaces entirely.
- Mobile phones may explode due to the extreme heat.
- Vehicle owners should not fill their car fuel tanks to full capacity.
✅ The Truth (KSDMA’s Clarification)
- No Such Temperature Prediction: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not issued any forecast predicting temperatures to reach 54°C or 55°C anywhere in Kerala.
- Fake Authority: There is no independent “Civil Defense Department” in Kerala. Civil Defense in the state operates merely as a voluntary wing under the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, and they have not issued any such advisory.
- Baseless Rumors: The claims regarding mobile phones exploding or instructions to avoid filling fuel tanks are completely unfounded and designed solely to create public panic.
🛑 Official Advisory to the Public
Authorities have strictly urged the public not to believe or forward such unverified messages. For accurate weather updates, official alerts, and safety guidelines, citizens should rely only on the official website and verified social media pages of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).
