Tsunami Warning Message a Hoax

The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Mark A. Walters is alerting the public to a hoax text message that has been sent to cell phones across the territory. This prank text message is notifying residents that an 8.2 magnitude earthquake has occurred in Venezuela and that a tsunami warning has been issued for Venezuela and several Caribbean countries including the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The prank text message also states that the tsunami is expected to hit land at approximately 1:14 a.m.

According to Director Walters, the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center has confirmed that no earthquake has occurred in or around Venezuela and that no tsunami alert has been issued for Venezuela or the Caribbean. VITEMA is asking that the public disregard the text message.

“We are appalled that someone would attempt to create mass hysteria which could have endangered lives,” Director Walters said. “We want the public to be assured that if a tsunami watch or warning has been issued for the Virgin Islands, VITEMA would have been the first to receive the official notice and VITEMA would immediately notify first responders and the public.”

Director Walters has also informed Education Commissioner La Verne Terry of the hoax text message after reports that parents had begun to pull their children out of school.

For more information call VITEMA at 340-774-2244.

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