Heavy Rains Cause Disasters in China; Public Security Ministry Warns Against Spreading Rumors

Heavy rains have caused disasters in many parts of China recently, with footage of the damage circulating widely. The Cyber Security Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security issued a 'Network Civilization Initiative' on the 24th, claiming that a small number of netizens are 'exaggerating the disaster and manufacturing and spreading rumors,' causing public anxiety. They warned that public security organs will 'strictly handle according to law' those who intentionally fabricate and spread false flood information to disrupt social order. The initiative requires netizens to 'uphold legal boundaries and never fabricate or spread false flood information.' It also urges the public to 'improve their ability to prevent' misinformation, advising them to focus on 'official authoritative platforms and regular news media' and to remain vigilant against 'netizen reports' and 'on-site videos' from non-authoritative sources. Netizens are also asked to report any suspected rumors to public security organs or network platforms.