Radiation SMS

KOCHI: An SMS seems to be spreading much faster than the radiation leakage in Japan creating confusion and panic among the people on the possibility of radiation reaching India and the dangers it poses to the people.

It was from early Tuesday morning that Kochiites started receiving SMSes warning them to take precautionary measure against the radiation leak from the problematic nuclear plant in Japan which would reach Asian countries due to heavy winds blowing in this direction.

The SMS read as follows: “There was another nuclear blast at 4:30 pm on Sunday in Fukushima Japan. If you are in India or the Asia Pacific Region or the East or Australia... and if it happens to rain today, tomorrow or in the next few days, DO NOT GO IN THE RAIN. Use umbrella or rain coat if it is a slight drizzle also. Radioactive particles, which may cause burns, alopecia or even cancer may be present in the rain. Please pass this SMS”.

As the SMS spreads like fire, people have started to worry and are enquiring whether there is any possibility of radiation affecting India,  to be specific Kerala.

“Initially, I thought it was a prank by one of my friends. But as the media started reporting about the Japan authorities confirming radiation leak from the nuclear plant, I started to enquire whether there is any truth in the SMS,” said Rahul V, an IT employee.

Even the blog started to buzz with the views on the possible radiation leak spreading to Asia and other countries. While a few bloggers seemed  panicky, others were sure that the SMS is spreading unnecessary anxiety and confusion.

“Fictitious text/SMS messages started circulating since the news spread about the possible meltdown of Japan’s nuclear reactor in Fukushima due to the strong earthquake last Friday. The text message warns that the radiation from the problematic nuclear plant will reach the Philippines and other Asian countries today and everybody is advised to stay indoors for their safety, especially when it rains. If you have received a similar text message: DO NOT BELIEVE IT! DO NOT FORWARD IT! It’s a false warning designed to spread unnecessary anxiety and confusion,” a blogger identified as ‘gogreenalluniverse’ said.