Panic after bomb text warning in Hawaii
Panic spread across the island of Hawaii yesterday after people received a text warning of an impending missile strike.
Hawaii is on the flight path between North Korea and the US and the warning came after months of intercontinental ballistic missile tests by Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
It was declared a false alarm shortly afterwards, but not before panic spread.
“Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill,” read the message, all in capitals.
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency later confirmed there was no threat.
Frightened residents inundated the authorities asking for more information or advice.
People who say they got through to the office were then told it was a mistake.
One woman called the emergency number of 911 in a panic and said she was told by the operator that staff were performing a drill when “someone pushed the wrong buttons”.
Local politicians tried to calm the hysteria online with Democratic politician Tulsi Gabbard posting: “Hawaii – this is a false alarm.
“There is no incoming missile to Hawaii. I have confirmed with officials there is no incoming missile.”
Last year, Kim Jong-un reportedly fired 23 missiles during 16 tests.
In July, North Korea conducted its first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, claiming it could reach “anywhere in the world”.