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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. State Governor David Ige apologised to Hawaiians, saying an employee had pressed the wrong button.
The US military also confirmed the alert had been sent "in error". The US government announced there would be a full investigation.
An alert system is in place because of the potential proximity of Hawaii to North Korean missiles.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?How was the alert released?
According to the Associated Press news agency, a push alert was sent to people's phones.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).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.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!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!""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?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".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. Matt Lopresti, a member of the Hawaiian House of Representatives, was at home when he received the emergency alert on his mobile phone.
He said he had still been in his bed when his phone started ringing "like crazy". He described how he and his family had sought shelter in a bath tub.
Afterwards, he was still "a little freaked out" and feeling paranoid even after hearing it was a false alarm, AP adds. "We got our children, grabbed our emergency supplies, put them in our most enclosed room in our house which is our bathroom," he told local broadcaster KGMB.
"We put them in the bath tub, said our prayers, tried to find out what the Hell was going because we didn't hear any alarms, any of the sirens.
"There's not much else you can do in that situation. You know, we did what we could... and I am very angry right now because it shouldn't be this easy to make such a big mistake."
What is being done to prevent this happening again?What is being done to prevent this happening again?
Ajit Pai, chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission, announced the investigation. The US military confirmed no missile threat had been detected and the alert had been released in error.
Ajit Pai, chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission, announced an investigation.
"The @FCC is launching a full investigation into the false emergency alert that was sent to residents of Hawaii," he tweeted."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?Why was Hawaii on edge before this?
North Korea's missile and nuclear programme is seen as a growing threat to America. North Korea's missile and nuclear programme is seen as a growing threat to America. Hawaii is one of the US states closest to North Korea.
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.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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