Many Hawaiian residents were understandably frightened yesterday when they received an emergency alert on their smartphones yesterday out of the blue notifying them that a ballistic missile threat is inbound to Hawaii. To make matters worse, the alert mentioned that “THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” Fortunately, there was no missile speeding through the air aimed at Hawaii. It was a false emergency alert that was retracted 38 minutes after it was pushed out.
The alert advised residents of the incoming threat and cautioned that they should take shelter immediately. No further information was offered so residents didn’t know who was attacking their state and how soon this alleged ballistic missile would land on their shores.
Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was quick to confirm with officials that there was no danger and conveyed the news to residents through her Twitter account. A confirmation also followed from Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency. The U.S. Pacific Command later noted that the message was sent out because of a human error and a correction was sent after half an hour.
“An error was made in emergency management which allowed this false alarm to be sent. It was a procedure that occurs at the change of shift where they go through to make sure that the system is working and an employee pushed the wrong button,” explained Governor David Ige.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has reiterated that this was due to a human error and has promised to take additional steps to ensure that an error of this sort doesn’t spread panic among the residents ever again.
HAWAII – THIS IS A FALSE ALARM. THERE IS NO INCOMING MISSILE TO HAWAII. I HAVE CONFIRMED WITH OFFICIALS THERE IS NO INCOMING MISSILE. pic.twitter.com/DxfTXIDOQs
— Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) January 13, 2018
Filed in .. Source: theverge