There are some natural disasters that can be detected early (e.g.: tsunamis, huge storms, and earthquakes) by using the latest technology so that people will have time to evacuate after being warned. Of course, false alarms are also bound to happen every now and then.
When there is a loud noise and you see the floors cracked, it’s only natural to assume that it’s an earthquake. Recently, shoppers in a mall were seen panicking believing there was an earthquake but it turned out to be something else. Here’s what actually happened:
@mhmdaariz_ Siapalah yang prank gempa bumi tadi dekat mall di Sandakan. Habis orang pakat lari tadi 😇 #fyp #sandakan
A video posted by @Fyplah_official on TikTok is currently going viral reaching over 4 million views. The video shows shoppers at Harbour Mall Sandakan in Sabah panicking and running for their lives, believing the building was going to collapse due to an earthquake after a loud sound was heard in the mall. Shoppers were seen running down the escalators to safety.
However, as it turns out, the loud sound that was heard in the mall was not due to an earthquake or the building collapsing. Apparently, a small section of the floor tiles in one of the shop lots popped up earlier that morning. The mall released an official statement admitting to the loud sound but urged the public to not spread fake news.
“Please be assured that our Mall building is in absolute good tenable condition and no structural issues as claimed by irresponsible parties,” the management said in their statement on Harbour Mall Sandakan’s official Facebook page. Following the statement, the management released several photos of the cracked tiles.
Sandakan Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) enforcement unit were called to inspect the cracked tiles incident that occurred on the 4th floor of the mall. Netizens reacted to the viral video with some wondering what was going on while others found the whole thing funny.
Whatever the case, we’re glad that the tenants and shoppers there are safe and hope that no one got hurt during the panic. If there really was an emergency, remember to always stay calm and listen to instructions given by the management and authorities.
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