'Pokémon Go' Receives Backlash After Notification was Sent Out During Hurricane Irma

With Category 5 hurricane Irma devastating parts of the U.K. and Florida, residents have received a mandatory order to evacuate in preparation for the devastation that the storm will cause.

However, not everyone seems to be worried about it as "Pokémon Go" accidentally sent out a notification encouraging people to explore the outside world while its in the middle of a storm.

According to FOX News, a user who had the game installed on his smartphone posted a screenshot of the notification on social media. "Pokémon Go" was apparently telling him to visit a nearby park to explore and capture Pokémon. Unfortunately, the notification came through at the worst timing as it appeared in the middle of Hurricane Irma's mission to destroy everything in its path.

Since the screenshot was posted, many were able to share it and as expected, it went viral. Although some people took it as a joke, some were concerned about Niantic's priorities. Others also hoped that the gaming company would practice some sensitivity through their apps during this difficult time. However, most did realize that this was a routine notification and Niantic had not meant to send it out while in the middle of Irma.

Reports indicate that there is no word as to whether the game developers were able to see the post go viral on social media. If they did, then fans are hoping that this might be the time when Niantic developed an update that will help people in emergency situations instead of send them out in the dangerous outside world.

Hurricane Irma is known as the strongest storm to be recorded in history. It has already caused chaos and wreckage in the Caribbean as well as in the Bahamas Islands. Currently, it is beating down on Tampa, with many relying on an walkie-talkie app Zello to communicate real-time.