QUAKE FEAR: EMPTY MARRIAGE RECEPTION PARTIES IN SILIGURI

By R. Subrata (TNI Siliguri) ~ Edited By Pradiptamay Saha (TNI Siliguri)

Webdesk, TNI Siliguri, 26^th April, 2015: Social media and social connectivity apps are spreading rumors and are creating panic especially among the North Bengal residents. The messaging platforms claimed another powerful earthquake was set to strike India in the wake of the devastating temblor in Nepal, prompting the government to caution the media on Sunday against speculating about aftershocks. There are messages posted on Facebook and WhatsApp claimed scientists and authorities had predicted another quake would hit India, particularly the northern part of the country, within hours. Meteorological experts clearly say that earthquakes cannot be predicted at all based on the technology developed. The rumors have created panic among the residents of the cities of North Bengal like Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Raiganj etc. People were seen standing outside their homes from the evening responding to the facebook and Whatsapp appeal to stay outside from 8-11 pm because another aftershock of 8.2 intensity of Richter scale is going to hit North Bengal. The most affected were the marriage reception parties especially those which are organized in the big Marriage Halls. One of the catering company owners, Nepal Roy have told TNI “Several clients have requested us to reduce the number of plates to half because many of their guests have canceled their arrival in the reception”. A reception organizer Mr. Biplob Mukherjee (Name changed for anonymity) from Babupara, Siliguri said that “We are not expecting more than 20-30% invitees today at my son’s reception party. Even close relatives have canceled their visit from Jalpaiguri. I understand their fears in the wake of the earthquake rumors”. The aftershock today has formed the fears more and later the rumors spread in the social networks panicked the residents more. In an apparent response to such posts, the government advised the media on Sunday to exercise restraint in speculating about aftershocks. An advisory issued by the external affairs ministry said such speculation could cause panic and complicate relief efforts. “In view of the coordinated efforts of Government of India agencies to evacuate stranded citizens, and to provide relief in the wake of the Nepal earthquake, it is requested that media houses may exercise restraint in speculation about possible aftershocks,” the advisory said. “Undue speculation may cause unnecessary panic complicating relief efforts. The Government of India assures that it is making all efforts to provide relief and evacuate stranded citizens in time.”

Graphics: TNI Creatives