Social Media Earthquake Rumours: Where to Find Accurate Information

Panic spreads faster than the tremors of an earthquake, and the main carrier of this fear is social media. Forwarded WhatsApp messages or Facebook posts claiming “Another major earthquake is coming” are examples of baseless information or predictions that have given rise to a new problem called an “earthquake infodemic.” Relying on such rumours can cause people to miss the critical moments needed to protect their lives.

Why Does This ‘Well-Intentioned Rumour’ Spread?

Experts refer to this phenomenon as a “Good-Intention Rumour.” People often forward such information without verification, intending to warn or help others. However, the sources of these messages may be unknown foreign media outlets, astrologers, or inaccurate local reports. Although these messages may seem like raising awareness, they can actually cause serious harm.

Three Major Dangers of Believing Rumours

Earthquake rumours create three significant risks in society:

Ignoring genuine warnings: Repeated false alerts make people dismiss actual emergency notifications or official messages, thinking they are just another rumour.

Panic and accidents: Unverified rumours may lead people to flee their homes in haste or rush to find safe shelters, which can result in stampedes or other accidents.

Misuse of emergency services: False alerts divert the attention of fire services and emergency responders, potentially obstructing response to real emergencies.

Where to Find Accurate Earthquake Information and Warnings

For reliable earthquake information or official warnings, you should rely on the following three trusted sources:

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD):
The BMD is the primary government source for immediate earthquake information, including magnitude, epicentre, and depth. Regularly follow BMD’s official website and verified Facebook page. Even if foreign websites or apps show incorrect magnitudes or locations, BMD’s data is considered definitive in Bangladesh.

Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR):
The MoDMR issues government advisories and long-term warnings following an earthquake. Only follow their press releases or messages broadcast through national media to ensure accuracy.

Google Earthquake Alerts (Android warnings):
Your smartphone can now serve as a powerful earthquake warning system. On Android devices, the built-in system uses hundreds of millions of phones as mini seismometers. A “Drop, Cover, and Hold” alert is sent to your phone seconds before shaking begins.

Instructions: Make sure the “Earthquake Alerts” option is enabled in your phone’s settings to receive timely notifications.

Legal Consequences of Spreading Rumours

Spreading rumours is not only socially harmful but also a criminal offence. Under Bangladesh’s Cyber Security Act, deliberately disseminating false information or rumours to create public panic can lead to legal action.

To protect yourself and society, refrain from sharing unverified messages on WhatsApp or Facebook. Always verify any received information through the official government sources listed above before acting on or forwarding it.