Kerala floods: Govt warns of strict action against those spreading fake news, old videos

Kerala government launched a website to better coordinate flood rescue operation and put a list of Facebook pages and phone numbers for the public.

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Kerala government has warned of strict action against individuals found spreading fake information about the ongoing floods in the state. Images and videos of flood and the devastation from last year’s floods were being circulated through social media and messaging platforms, causing panic among locals.

The state government has also launched a new website called Kerala Rescue to coordinate relief work. The website at the moment provides facilities such as a request for help, search for missing persons, to enrol as a volunteer, to send relief material based on needs of each district, the contact information of various department officials and announcements.

The need for a centralised source for giving out announcements arose after several fake WhatsApp forwards on water levels at dams started doing the rounds.

Thrissur District collector S Shanavas took to Facebook to issue a warning against those spreading fake news about flood situation on the ground. On Thursday evening, he wrote, “We are witnessing reports about the Peechi dam (in Thrissur) being opened being spread on WhatsApp. Spreading videos that cause panic among people over social media will face legal action under section 54 (Punishment for false warning) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005."

The section 54 of the said act pertains to punishment for a false warning, for making or circulating false alarm or warnings on a disaster or its severity or magnitude, leading to panic. Those found guilty will be punished with imprisonment, which may extend to one year or with a fine.

The Facebook page of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) also urged the public to refrain from believing and forwarding WhatsApp messages about the flood and rains in the state.

Those who would like to find accurate information about the floods and relief efforts can keep track of all updates, including district emergency numbers and helpline numbers, on the social media pages of the district collectors.

Trivandrum Collector 04712731177

Kollam Collector 04742793473

Pathanamthitta Collector 04682222505,04682322515

Alappuzha Collector 04772251720

Kottayam Collector 04812562001,9447029007

Idduki Collector 0486 2233111, 0486 2233130

Ernakulam Collector 0484 2423001

Thrissur Collector 0487 2362424, 9447074424

Palakkad Collector 0491 2505309, 2505209, 2505566

Malappuram Collector 0483 2736320, 0483 2736326

Kozhikode Collector 0495 2372966,04962620235,04952223088

Wayanad Collector 8078409770,04936204151