A message predicting a cyclone in flood-hit Tamil Nadu was doing the rounds on WhatsApp causing panic in Chennai. The message stated that the NASA had predicted a cyclone and heavy rains on November 21 & 22. The message was even being shared by those living abroad with their family and friends in the city.
Related read- Chennai: Rains stop, but residents continue to be in distress
The text of the viral message read:
Guys CHENNAI IS ON HIGH ALERT NOW!!!
NASA has warned INDIA tat CHENNAI will suffer ah very very high rainfall with a hurricane !!!
NASA has given 2 dates 21,22 ...on these 2 days unpredictable rainfall in the history of INDIA will lash tamilnadu ...the rainfall will be about 250 cm in CHENNAI!!!
So indian central gov has now deployed 3000 NDRF to tamilnadu and border security force and airforce and army on the toes....!!
NASA's prediction never miss....!
Watch CNN IBN they r telecasting the live show....!
** 2 cyclones has formed near sumatra islands
**Has a chance of changing as a big storm
People already affected by the rains and waterlogging, started sending it to others, fearing the situation would get worse. Regional Meteorological Centre Director SR Ramanan has been giving daily weather reports and asked the public to not believe rumours. The media finally put an end to the viral message by stating that the message was false.