The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on Monday warned the public against fake messages circulating on social media about extreme heat in the State. In a statement, the KSDMA said misleading messages are being shared on WhatsApp as “official warnings”, claiming that temperatures in the State would rise between 45℃ and 55℃ from April 29 to May 12.
The viral message also claims that people should not stay in open areas, warning that “mobile phones could explode due to heat”, and suggesting not filling fuel tanks in vehicles. The authority clarified that the message is being circulated in the name of a “Civil Defence department”, which does not exist in Kerala.
Published – April 13, 2026 09:18 pm IST
