Agra, Jan 26 (IANS): An SMS sent by a prankster is being forwarded on Republic Day Thursday, causing alarm and fear of an earthquake among mobile users.

The message, attributed to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), advised people what to do during an earthquake, pack up medical kit, essentials and food items, and identify in advance safe places indoors and outdoors.

The SMS read: "Before Earthquake - Identify safe place indoor & outdoor, keep essential medicines, ID, Food & Water, Emergency Telephone Nos. - NDMA."

District Magistrate Ajay Chauhan told media persons: "Investigations are on about who were the people behind the message. The NDMA said they have not released any such message."

Premendra Jain, a social activist, told IANS: "The message appears to have been sent through one network. Some papers published the report Thursday and everyone is asking if there was indeed some fear of an earthquake, especially in the wake of solar storms."

District officials denied any such information and said action would be taken against rumour mongers.