I have to say that is what I thought as well when I read the article. I was convinced life as we knew it would end at Y2K, but what happened? Nothing. It sounds like there is a basis for concern, but as Myarka says, the extent is probably over-stated.
Just another case of doomsday scenario making good headlines I guess.
The way I look at it is this: I don't pay attention to the media in matters like this (unless it is a warning/apology that service may be interrupted). If a solar event were truly dangerous to humans, governments would be alerting the public. In my job, I occasionally see reports regarding communications systems, such as when solar events occur. I haven't seen anything regarding this issue as yet.
Okay, I just read the article. I must say, it made me chuckle. "Maximum power"? I wonder if that means the setting goes to eleven or that the quoted scientist's name is Nigel Tufnel?
Without me returning to the article again, it said something about "lightening bolts". I hope that was just metaphor, as obviously solar flares do not cause lightening. (They may however give us great views of the aurora.) I suspect the article is very unscientific.
V