Nearly 10 million people mistakenly warned to evacuate amid horrific wildfires in the US

Many families panicked and packed their belongings to evacuate, before being informed of the wrong evacuation order, in the midst of the terrible wildfires in the US.

NBC News reported on January 10 that countless people were panicked and scared after receiving an evacuation warning to avoid the terrible wildfire raging in the Los Angeles area (California), before realizing that it was a false warning.

"An evacuation warning has been issued in your area," read the initial loud warning sent to about 9.3 million mobile phones.

Terrible forest fire burns down million dollar homes of many Hollywood stars

Resident Thomas Jenkins said he was calling his family to report his condition when the alert came through. "I immediately jumped up and started packing everything even though I live downtown," he told the New York Post.

"I continued until I heard the false alarm. It was irresponsible, annoying and caused unnecessary panic," Mr. Jenkins said.

Californians evacuated amid severe wildfires

Another resident said many people were in a state of panic. "My poor upstairs neighbor was in a state of panic and left in a panic," he said.

Page Six reporter Bernie Zilio, who lives with her husband and children in the city of Angels, said the false alarm was "beyond negligent."

“I immediately started packing my luggage, which had been sitting by the door for the past two days, while my husband continued to watch the news. The presenter’s phone rang at the same time as ours, and people live in different places, so their first reaction was to question whether the warning was valid,” she said.

Minutes later, a second alert was sent, urging people to ignore the original message and clarifying that the evacuation warning was only for people living near the Kenneth Fire that broke out on the afternoon of January 9 (local time).

“This warning is only for residents of Calabasas and Agoura Hills, and those in the West Hills community of Los Angeles,” said Kevin McGowan, director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management.

He admitted it had been sent to nearly 10 million people by mistake. “We understand that these bushfires have caused great anxiety, hardship and distress to people, and we are committed to sharing accurate information,” he said.

At least 180,000 people have been forced to evacuate due to fires in California. At least seven people have died, according to Reuters, although authorities said the total number was not yet known.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/gan-10-trieu-nguoi-bi-canh-bao-so-tan-nham-giua-chay-rung-kinh-hoang-o-my-185250110115720671.htm