EVENTS
Australians sent into panic by 8.2-magnitude earthquake and tsunami warning – before realising it’s a test
Story by Maroosha Muzaffar
Some residents of eastern Australiaexperienced brief panic on Wednesday morning after the Bureau of Meteorology sent out a test tsunami warning to residents across New South Wales, Queensland, and as far inland as Canberra.
The alert, which was part of a test of new software, referenced an 8.2 magnitude earthquake off New Zealand’s coast and triggered alarm among a number of users, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The alerts that popped up via the bureau’s weather app did not include the word “test” in the title, screenshots shared by concerned users showed, although the full text of the alert was clearly labelled as such.
The bureau sent a message through its app at 11.32am, warning of a tsunami threat to Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. Users in the Blue Mountains and as far away as Canberra reportedly also received the alert.
Shortly after, it sent another message reading “cancelled tsunami warning” which again clarified that it was a test.
But a combination of misreading the first message, and the interval between the two messages, was enough for some app users to go into panic and confusion. Many users were caught off guard despite the bureau advising that tests would take place between 11am and 12pm on Wednesday and to ignore the alert.
“A tsunami warning for Australia? I hope it’s just that, a warning and not an actual tsunami,” a user posted on X.
Later, the bureau apologised for the confusion. A spokesperson explained that the test messages were part of the transition to a new tsunami early warning system software.
“There is NO tsunami threat to Australia,” the spokesperson said.
“The Bureau acknowledges and apologises for any confusion that this test may have caused. Testing is important to help the Bureau and partners prepare and plan for real tsunami threats.”
Some social media commentators also criticised app users who were deceived by the test warning, accusing them of failing to pay attention to detail as the alerts clearly indicated that they were part of a test.
From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate – The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here.
EVENTS
EID-EL-FITR: IGP DISU FELICITATES MUSLIM FAITHFUL, ORDERS NATIONWIDE DEPLOYMENT OF TACTICAL ASSETS
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has extended warm felicitations to the Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
In furtherance of his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment during the festive period, the Inspector-General has directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders across all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to implement robust security arrangements.
Operational measures include:
Strategic deployment of tactical teams and intelligence operatives.

Deployment of the Special Intervention Squad and conventional police personnel to Eid prayer grounds and critical infrastructure.
Increased presence at highways, motor parks, recreational centers, and other public spaces to ensure peaceful, hitch-free celebrations.
The IGP has also ordered heightened visibility policing, coordinated patrols, enhanced surveillance operations, and intelligence-led stop-and-search duties. These actions are aimed at proactively deterring criminal activities and ensuring a swift response to any emerging threats.
IGP Disu calls on members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines:
08057000001, 08057000002, 09133333785, and 09133333786.
IGP Tunji Disu wishes all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
20th March, 2026
EVENTS
Hon Success Opara celebrates Mothering Sunday with St. Peter women, hails them as the ‘neck that controls the household
Hon Success Opara, former councilorship candidate for Ikenegbu Ward 2, celebrated Mothering Sunday with the women of St. Peter Anglican Church, Ikenegbu, extolling them as the backbone of their households.
He described them as the “neck that controls the household,” acknowledging their vital role in shaping families and communities.
Opara’s gesture is seen as a testament to his commitment to uplifting and empowering women.
The celebration, which coincided with the Christian observance of Mothering Sunday, featured fellowship and words of encouragement from Opara, who prayed for the women’s well-being.
This event highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating mothers and mother figures in Nigerian society.
EVENTS
“Early marriage is better than fornication” – Mixed reactions as young Nigerian couple trends after welcoming a child
A young Nigerian couple are currently trending on Arewa social media circles after they welcomed their first child.
The pictures taken by a Kaduna-based photographer have sparked mixed reactions, with some people saying that the girl is underaged and not old enough to be a wife and mother.

-
Business2 years ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending2 years agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Politics1 year agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Politics1 year agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Politics1 year agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment2 years ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Education2 years ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
