FLASH NEWS
TikTok astrologer arrested in Myanmar for predicting another, stronger earthquake
2025-04-25 07:56:02 / BOTA
Myanmar authorities have arrested a TikTok astrologer for spreading panic by predicting another strong earthquake in the wake of last month's tremors, state media said.
John Moe The, who has more than 300,000 TikTok followers, predicted on April 9 that a "very strong" earthquake would hit "every city in Myanmar" in 12 days.
"People shouldn't stay in tall buildings during the day," reads the caption of his video, which has been viewed 3.3 million times.
"Take important things with you and leave buildings during shaking."
Last month's earthquake in central Myanmar killed more than 3,700 and has left 60,000 living in tent camps, according to the UN, many of whom are too scared to return home as the aftershocks continue.
21-year-old John Moe The was arrested in a morning raid on his home in the central town of Monywa on Tuesday, according to a statement from Myanmar's military government published in state media on Thursday.
"We received a report of fake news being spread through a TikTok account that a strong earthquake is about to strike," the statement said.
"Action will be taken against him effectively according to the law. Likewise, we will also take effective measures against those who write or spread or share fake news."
Yangon resident Nan Nan told AFP that she had not believed the social media post, but many neighbors had.
"Most of my neighbors dared not stay in their apartments and lived on the streets that day," the 35-year-old said.
John Moe The's TikTok account is titled "John (Palmistry)" and provides regular text predictions against the backdrop of a spinning cosmos.
His predictions included further weather disasters, the release of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi who was overthrown in the 2021 coup, and US airstrikes on Myanmar soil.
Earthquake early warning systems exist – sensing the shock and transmitting a signal faster than the speed of the shock wave.
However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) says that predicting earthquakes ahead of time is scientifically impossible.
"Neither the USGS nor any other scientist has ever predicted a major earthquake," a statement on their website said.
"We don't know how and we don't expect to know how in the foreseeable future."
Happening now...
America may withdraw from Europe, but not from SPAK
Nga Gentian Gaba
ideas
Who is the Surrel Rabbit?
Nga Sidi Hasanaj
The two wrong paths of the opposition with the Ombudsman
Nga Patrik Sadikaj
top
Alfa recipes
TRENDING 
services
- POLICE129
- STREET POLICE126
- AMBULANCE112
- FIREFIGHTER128