Stop panicking and THINK

Ever since a series of disasters in Japan were unleashed by the earthquake that rattled the country this month, I have been continually calming many people down over unnecessary panic, worry and preventing some from spreading rumours of an apocalypse or radiation-affected rain.

While I try to understand their fear, I couldn't help but think: "Do you not have a single thread of rationality and logic running through your brain?"

1. No, radiation will not arrive on the sunny shores of Singapore where Japan is located about 5,000km away (correct me if I'm wrong), hence I do not need to wear a mask nor shield my head if it rains.

2. Yes, you can still visit China, Korea or the surrounding countries if you wish because there is officially no health risk 20km away from the nuclear power plant and that distance is equivalent to slightly less than the length of the Singapore island, which is not a very big country to begin with.

3. Yes, you can and should continue with your daily activities on the 11th of every month, because a disaster occurring on 9/11 and March 11 doesn't mean it'll happen ALL the time.

4. No, the world is not ending! Mankind might, but the world will not. It will go on like it always has for billions of years. Humans have predicted and feared the apocalypse since thousands of years ago - what makes you think it'll happen this time round? Yes, something drastic will happen as we enter the Age of the Aquarius, but no, it's not the end of the world (don't even get me started on how we can 'save the Earth').

Conclusion: Don't waste your money on masks, please.

I try to understand that a calamity usually sends people into a panic mode; so does the media and government organisations who send out unnecessary messages that add on to the nerve-wrecked observers.

But what I don't understand is how one could easily believe something without a) verifying, b) THINKING before believing, and c) spreading messages before THINKING and VERIFYING.

Call it an occupational hazard or just a journalist honing her skills. The truth is, such gullible attitudes are disappointing. I've rolled my eyeballs quite a number of times these few days and the question that's stuck in my head is: Why don't people think?

The analytical Virgo is quick to notice a rumour from a fact. Or maybe, she tends to question anything presented to her. Whatever it is, it is extremely annoying to read tweets - and from popular bloggers too - on updates on the situation in Japan without quoting their sources. If I needed updates, I think I'd go to the news site and not read your tweet. Now, I honestly hope the Twitter followers are doing that.

I suppose taking precaution during the SARS and H1N1 virus period is more substantiated than being unnecessarily cautious now when an incident is occurring so far away. I'd rather people concentrate on how aid could be provided, than the silly rumours and stories that have evolved.

The tragedy in Japan has shown the world the quiet dignity, graciousness and calmness of the Japanese amid chaos. They've set an example that many nations can learn from.

But it has also shown how gullible people can be when thrown into panic mode. They'll believe anything.

Oh, did anyone mention March 19's "supermoon"? Sigh, don't even go there....