Millions of residents in Los Angeles County and beyond received a false evacuation order via text message on Thursday afternoon, causing panic and confusion. The message, accompanied by a loud alarm, warned of an evacuation in the area, but officials later clarified that it was only meant for residents near the Kenneth Fire. This mistake led to nearly 10 million people receiving the alert, far exceeding the intended audience.
Kevin McGowan, director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, stated that the error was not human-made, as the correct zones were selected, and they are working to identify the cause of the mistake. This incident comes at a time when anxiety and fear are already heightened due to the ongoing wildfires that have destroyed homes and forced thousands to evacuate.
The false alert added to the stress of many residents, with social media users expressing frustration over the situation. Despite the error, officials are committed to providing accurate information and are working to prevent similar mistakes in the future. The wildfires in the area have caused widespread devastation, with at least six reported deaths and tens of thousands of acres burned.
Overall, the false evacuation order caused widespread panic and fear among residents already grappling with the impact of the wildfires, highlighting the need for accurate and timely emergency alerts in times of crisis.
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