KAPS drill message causes chain reaction of rumours

Surat: A message circulated on Friday about a drill at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) by the Disaster Management Centre in Surat, caused rumour mongering on social media, with many users mistaking it for an actual nuclear accident.Along with the accident-related message, a circular from the collector was also widely shared, adding to public anxiety.The letter from the Disaster Management Centre which spread rapidly in the morning, carried the heading "Issued for mock exercise (NRE) purpose only" and was titled a "First Public Notice". Despite the wording, screenshots and forwards were shared without context, leading to confusion and speculation about an emergency at the plant.The text of the exercise letter, in Gujarati, stated: "During checks for radioactive material at KAPS, more radioactivity than usual had been detected. Inspection is underway and measures are being taken to control the situation." It further advised residents to remain indoors until further instructions, avoid using water from open sources such as wells and lakes, not eat food kept in the open, and to keep cattle sheltered. The message said additional directions would be communicated via radio, television and other information channels.As the social media posts gained traction through the day, the Disaster Management Centre had to issue a clarification in the evening to counter misinformation. In its statement, the centre said its message was part of a planned exercise and that no actual accident took place at KAPS."It came to my notice that this internal communication regarding a drill at KAPS was going viral and citizens were getting concerned. Kindly note that this was just a part of a drill (clearly written at the top of the letter) and not an actual notification," an official in the district collectorate said.The viral message led people to make calls in panic in various parts of Surat district and city. People enquired with each other if they were safe and or needed to leave the city or district for a safer location.