In brief
Authorities argue the prediction violates laws against inciting public fear, especially after the recent catastrophic earthquake.
Myanmar's authorities have taken action against a local astrologer known as John Moe The, arresting him for inciting public panic through a viral TikTok video predicting an earthquake. This arrest occurred just over two weeks after a catastrophic magnitude 7.7 earthquake wreaked havoc, taking the lives of 3,500 individuals and damaging historic temples in the region. On April 9, John Moe The shared his alarming forecast, claiming that an earthquake would strike "every city in Myanmar" on April 21. His prediction garnered significant attention, amassing over three million views, leading officials to express concerns about the misinformation it spread. The Myanmar information ministry stated that such predictions constituted "false statements with the intention of causing public panic." In his video, John sincerely encouraged residents to evacuate tall buildings and prepare for potential disasters, which led many in Yangon and surrounding areas to believe his predictions. One resident conveyed to AFP that some neighbors opted to sleep outside, fearing the forecasted tremors on the specified date. John Moe The's TikTok account boasted over 300,000 followers before being dismantled. He claimed to base his predictions on astrology and palmistry. His arrest was executed during a police raid at his residence in Sagaing, a region that suffered significantly during the previous earthquake on March 28. This disaster marked a rare occasion when the military junta requested foreign aid, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.Experts have voiced skepticism over the ability to predict earthquakes, given their complex nature, further highlighting the irresponsibility of disseminating such forecasts. The repercussions of Mai's actions illustrate the delicate balance between social media influence and public safety, especially in disaster-prone regions.
