Now, a Missile-Alert Goof in Japan

Broadcaster NHK sent it out via its app
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 16, 2018 8:21 AM CST
Days After Hawaii Missile-Alert Gaffe, a Repeat in Japan
In this Aug. 29, 2017 file photo distributed on Aug. 30, 2017, by the North Korean government shows what was said to be the test launch of a Hwasong-12 intermediate range missile in Pyongyang, North Korea.   (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)

It's deja vu all over again. Following Saturday's erroneous alert of an incoming "ballistic missile threat" in Hawaii comes a similar gaffe from Japanese national broadcaster NHK. A message was sent out via the NHK app Tuesday that read: "NHK news alert. North Korea likely to have launched missile. The government J alert: evacuate inside the building or underground."

Unlike the 38 minutes Hawaiians spent cowering, this mistake was acknowledged within minutes, reports CNN. The AP reports several on-air apologies were made and says the broadcaster blamed a mistake in the use of its alert system for the error. (More on the two clicks that led to Hawaii's goof here.)

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