Earthquake hoax on WhatsApp causes panic

Many Kemptonians felt the 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Botswana last night.

Kempton Express received messages from readers via WhatsApp today, asking us to confirm a message that the quake was not over yet and the worst was still to come. This message is currently doing the rounds on WhatsApp but is a hoax.

There is no truth in this message and readers are advised not to share it to avoid unnecessary panic.

The below WhatsApp message is currently being sent around:

“Please be advised that the earthquake that happened in some parts of Africa is not yet over because its in rotation form. The researchers under geography are encouraging people to stay awake because a massive earthquake is going to occur tomorrow morning at around 2am.

“It has been proved that the earthquake is caused by the lava of the volcano that is under pressure beneath the earth’s surface ready to be exposed to the earth’s surface. Countries expected to be affected are Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, part of South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Ghana and Madagascar.

“Tonight at 00:30 to 03:30 make sure to turn off the phone, cellular, tablet, etc … and put away from your body. Singapore television announced the news. Please tell your family and friends. Tonight, 12:30 to 3:30 for our planet will be very high radiation.

“Cosmic rays will pass close to Earth. So please turn off your cell phone. Do not leave your device close to your body, it can cause you terrible damage. Check Google and NASA BBC News. Send this message to all the people who matter to you.

“FORWARDED AS RECEIVEDPS #CancerIsReal”