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Hawaii alert: False missile alert sparks panic Hawaii alert: False missile alert sparks panic
(35 minutes later)
An incoming missile alert plunged residents of Hawaii into panic on Saturday morning before it was declared to be false.An incoming missile alert plunged residents of Hawaii into panic on Saturday morning before it was declared to be false.
Mobile phone users received a message saying: "Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill."Mobile phone users received a message saying: "Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill."
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency later confirmed there was no threat. Local officials confirmed there was no threat and the US government announced there would be a full investigation.
The alert system is in place because of the potential proximity of Hawaii to North Korean missiles. The US military also confirmed the alert had been sent "in error".
An alert system is in place because of the potential proximity of Hawaii to North Korean missiles.
In December, the state tested its nuclear warning siren for the first time since the end of the Cold War.In December, the state tested its nuclear warning siren for the first time since the end of the Cold War.
It is still unclear how the initial mistake was made. How was the alert released?
'Full blown panic' According to the Associated Press news agency, a push alert was sent to people's phones.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser says emergency officials mistakenly sent the message out by text, all in capital letters, at 08:07 (18:07 GMT) before correcting the error by email 18 minutes later. The phone message, all in capital letters, went out at 08:07 (18:07 GMT).
There was no follow-up mobile text until 38 minutes after the original alert, it said. It was corrected by email 18 minutes later but there was no follow-up mobile text for 38 minutes, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.
In a tweet, the state's Emergency Management Agency (EMA) said simply: "NO missile threat to Hawaii."In a tweet, the state's Emergency Management Agency (EMA) said simply: "NO missile threat to Hawaii."
EMA spokesman Richard Repoza said the agency was trying to determine what had happened, the Associated Press news agency reports. Television and radio broadcasts across the state were also interrupted with a recorded emergency message: "Stay indoors!
The agency describes reaction in the state as "full-blown panic". "If you are outdoors seek immediate shelter in a building. Remain indoors well away from windows. If you are driving pull safely to the side of the road and seek shelter in a building while laying on the floor. We'll announce when the threat has ended. This is not a drill!"
How did Hawaiians react?
AP describes reaction in the state as "full-blown panic" while according to the CNBC news channel, the alert "momentarily put recipients into a state of frenzy, with scores reportedly running for shelter".
Jamie Malapit, owner of a Honolulu hair salon, texted clients to say he was cancelling their appointments and closing his shop for the day, AP reports.Jamie Malapit, owner of a Honolulu hair salon, texted clients to say he was cancelling their appointments and closing his shop for the day, AP reports.
He said he had still been in his bed when his phone started ringing "like crazy".He said he had still been in his bed when his phone started ringing "like crazy".
Afterwards, he was still "a little freaked out" and feeling paranoid even after hearing it was a false alarm, AP adds.Afterwards, he was still "a little freaked out" and feeling paranoid even after hearing it was a false alarm, AP adds.
According to the CNBC news channel, the alert "momentarily put recipients into a state of frenzy, with scores reportedly running for shelter". What is being done to prevent this happening again?
The alert came amid a growing threat from North Korea's missile and nuclear programme. Hawaii is the closest US state to North Korea. Ajit Pai, chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission, announced the investigation.
"The @FCC is launching a full investigation into the false emergency alert that was sent to residents of Hawaii," he tweeted.
Why was Hawaii on edge before this?
North Korea's missile and nuclear programme is seen as a growing threat to America.
In September Pyongyang carried out its sixth nuclear test.In September Pyongyang carried out its sixth nuclear test.
Last month, the Star-Advertiser also reported that a missile launched from North Korea could strike Hawaii within 20 minutes of launch Last month, the Star-Advertiser reported that a missile launched from North Korea could strike Hawaii within 20 minutes of launch.
Were you sent one of these alerts? Or do you know someone who was sent an alert? Please tell us your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.ukWere you sent one of these alerts? Or do you know someone who was sent an alert? Please tell us your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
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