Astrologer Arrested in Myanmar for Earthquake Prediction That Sparked Panic

Myanmar authorities took action against an astrologer whose viral earthquake prediction alarmed residents, leading to his arrest for spreading false information.

Myanmar's information ministry reported the arrest of astrologer John Moe The, following a TikTok video where he predicted a major earthquake would strike on April 21, causing widespread panic among the public. This prediction surfaced just weeks after a devastating 7.7 magnitude quake resulted in the loss of 3,500 lives and the destruction of historical sites across the nation.

John Moe The's video, which went viral with over three million views, urged viewers to prepare for disaster, advising them to vacate tall buildings during the predicted quake. "People should not stay in tall buildings during the day," he wrote, instilling fear in many. A resident from Yangon recounted how her neighbors took the prediction seriously, opting to sleep outdoors on the anticipated day instead of staying home.

The astrologer's TikTok account, boasting over 300,000 followers, has been discontinued. Despite the widespread belief in his claims, experts uphold that predicting earthquakes falls outside the realm of possibility due to the intricate factors at play during such natural disasters.

Authorities executed a raid at his residence in Sagaing, where he was arrested. The city faced significant damage from the earthquake on March 28, which prompted an unusual appeal for international aid from the military-led government. The tremors were even felt as far away as Bangkok, highlighting the tremor's far-reaching impact.