Few takers for fake news in floodhit Kerala

But this could create problems for the authorities conducting rescue operations

In a crisis of the scale of the Kerala floods, the primary concern for the authorities and civil society is the rescue operation, not dealing with misinformation and deliberate dissemination of fake and malicious news. But the state, where at least 239 people have died because of the floods, is having to tackle fake news which is creating problems for its citizens as well as authorities.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had to tweet last week to dispel the rumour that the 123-year-old Mullaperiyar dam is about to burst and that it would wash away many districts. On Sunday night, the Indian Army clarified that an imposter in Army uniform is spreading disinformation in a video message about relief efforts. The man in the video criticises the chief minister for not handing over the rescue efforts completely to the Indian Army. The video instantly went viral on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. In another viral audio clip that has its text posted on a person’s Facebook page, a man is heard saying that most of the people who were impacted in the disaster are from well-to-do families.

Among the more sinister rumours in a state which rarely witnesses communal strife is that churches are helping only Christians. In fact, reports suggest, churches, temples, and madrasas have come forward in large numbers to help the stranded. However, the people in Kerala have used the same tools that were used to spread misinformation for coordination purposes and for disseminating authentic information about the availability of items for daily use and the location of stranded people. This is remarkable in a time of such stress. But rumours impede rescue operations, putting lives at risk. The Army has announced a contact number where you can alert people about fake news. Other relief agencies would do well to have a similar facility so as not to hamper the rescue operations.