In brief
Myanmar authorities arrested John Moe The after his viral TikTok prediction of a devastating earthquake sparked widespread fear, despite scientists stating that such predictions are not feasible.
In a startling incident, a TikTok astrologer named John Moe The was taken into custody by Myanmar authorities on Tuesday, following his alarming prediction of an impending earthquake that he claimed would affect every city in the nation. This prediction, posted on April 9, only weeks after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake left approximately 3,500 individuals dead and obliterated historical temples, went viral, garnering over three million views.The Myanmar information ministry declared that the astrologer was arrested for "false statements with the intention of causing public panic," highlighting the serious impact his prediction had on the population. In his widely shared video, John urged viewers to carry their essential belongings and evacuate buildings during the anticipated quake, expected on April 21. “People should not stay in tall buildings during the day,” he warned in the video’s caption, which fueled panic among residents.Reports revealed that many locals took his predictions to heart, with some opting to camp outdoors on the predicted day instead of remaining in their homes. A resident from Yangon shared that numerous neighbors believed in the predictions and chose to avoid potential dangers by staying outside.John Moe The, who boasted a follower count exceeding 300,000 on his now-deactivated TikTok account, has built his persona around astrology and palmistry predictions. He was arrested in a raid conducted at his Sagaing residence—an area that, alongside Mandalay, suffered immensely during the March 28 earthquake. This natural disaster resulted in a rare request for aid from the Myanmar military government, reflecting the dire conditions faced across the country.Furthermore, the March earthquake was so powerful that its tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, where a construction site collapsed tragically, leading to many casualties. With experts unanimously stressing that earthquake predictions are beyond current scientific capabilities, the incident emphasizes the profound responsibility of influencers in shaping public perceptions and reactions during such critical times.
