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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." |
Local officials confirmed there was no threat and the US government announced there would be a full investigation. | |
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. |
How was the alert released? | |
According to the Associated Press news agency, a push alert was sent to people's phones. | |
The phone message, all in capital letters, went out at 08:07 (18:07 GMT). | |
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." |
Television and radio broadcasts across the state were also interrupted with a recorded emergency message: "Stay indoors! | |
"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. |
What is being done to prevent this happening again? | |
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 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.uk | 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.uk |
You can also contact us in the following ways: | You can also contact us in the following ways: |
Or use the form below | Or use the form below |