In brief
In a controversial turn of events, a TikTok astrologer named John Moe The has been arrested in Myanmar following a viral post predicting a new earthquake that would impact every city in the country. This prediction came just weeks after a devastating 7.7 magnitude quake on March 28, which resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. Authorities apprehended Moe on charges of making "false statements with the intention of causing public panic" after his warning circulated on social media, gaining over three million views.
Moe's prediction encouraged individuals to vacate tall buildings and be prepared for an earthquake on April 21, causing residents to flee their homes in fear. Despite the significant response to his video, experts emphasize the unpredictability of earthquakes, attributing it to the intricate variables involved. Following the earlier earthquake, which had far-reaching effects—including a building collapse in Bangkok—Moe's TikTok account was reportedly deactivated after accruing over 300,000 followers. He was arrested at his residence in Sagaing, an area notably affected by the recent earthquake, as authorities grapple with managing public panic amid ongoing natural disaster concerns.
