“In the USA it’s called “Inducing public panic” and yes we do have laws on the books against it. If a disaster of this magnitude happened in the USA, Marshall Law would be immediately declared.”
I think you mean “Martial Law”, but, that’s a very good point. On the other hand, was any of this (laws against inducing public panic) actually enforced in the period shortly after Katrina, and, what would have been the reaction if it had? There sure were a lot of gross distortions rampant at that time. Some people still believe them!
Come to think of it, if the U.S. had and enforced laws about grossly distorted or exxaggerated news, 2/3 of or news media would be in jail! Shepard Smith, during the Israel / Lebanon / Hezbollah dustup of a couple years ago, comes to mind.... And he’s on FOX News, who touts “we report, you decide”.