Cuba’s Civil Defense General Staff has refuted a statement that has been circulating on social media, which warns of an alleged “Option Zero” scenario resulting from an energy system collapse.
The text, alarmist in nature, details a catastrophic scenario that would include a total halt to transportation, widespread suspension of electricity service, a cessation of water pumping, and an extreme tightening of food rationing, among other measures.
“It is important to note that the National Civil Defense General Staff has not issued any communication containing such content or utilizing such a format. The genuine statements issued by this institution are characterized by being technical, measured, and specific regarding meteorological phenomena or concrete situations; furthermore, they are published exclusively through established official channels, such as the Government of Cuba’s website, the *Granma* newspaper, and the institutions verified social media accounts,” reported the media outlet *Cubadebate*.
“The alleged ‘Option Zero’ referenced in the fake message is not part of the official vocabulary of the Civil Defense—nor of any Cuban government institution.
Likewise, the apocalyptic language used in the chain message—featuring phrases such as ‘total collapse’ or ‘paralysis of national life’—does not align with the institutional style of genuine statements, which tend to be regionally focused and directed toward specific events such as hurricanes, heavy rains, floods, or cold fronts,” the outlet added.
Given the proliferation of such fake chain messages, the public is advised to be wary of catastrophic messages employing sensationalist language, to refrain from sharing unverified information, and to always consult official communication sources—as these are the only channels authorized to issue information of this nature.
The circulating message constitutes an attempt to exploit the name and prestige of the Civil Defense in order to instill unnecessary panic among the population. The institution continues to carry out its customary functions regarding risk management and citizen protection, and any official communications will be released exclusively through established channels.
“We call upon the public to act responsibly and to help halt the chain of disinformation by refraining from forwarding such messages, the sole purpose of which is to sow alarm and confusion,” concluded Cubadebate.
[ SOURCE: AGENCIA CUBANA DE NOTICIAS ]
