Well after all that healthy debate, and to go back to the OP for closure , is it overhyped fear, or potential doom I'd say you can't win as a government your either accused of complacency or hiding as with the floods or over egging the impact.

If the overhype saves a life or two I suppose it's worth it .

The one positive, from this we might improve a lot of peoples approach to personal cleanliness around washing ones hands more often.