In brief
Myanmar's authorities have detained an astrologer for alarming the public with a viral earthquake prediction, highlighting the impact of social media misinformation.
In a dramatic turn of events, Myanmar has arrested TikTok astrologer John Moe The after he released a viral prediction about a forthcoming earthquake. The video, which amassed over three million views, was posted on April 9, just weeks following a devastating 7.7 magnitude quake that claimed 3,500 lives and razed ancient temples.The Myanmar information ministry declared that the astrologer was apprehended for "false statements with the intention of causing public panic." John Moe The had ominously suggested that an earthquake would strike every city in the nation on April 21, leading to widespread anxiety among locals. He advised viewers to prepare for the worst, urging them to "take important things with you and run away from buildings during the shaking," while the video’s caption recommended avoiding tall structures during the day.Residents in Yangon reported that many in the community reacted with fear, choosing to sleep outdoors to evade the predicted disaster. John Moe The, who previously boasted over 300,000 followers on TikTok, claimed to derive his forecasts from astrology and palmistry. His arrest took place during a police operation at his home in Sagaing, amidst heightened sensitivity following the recent earthquake that deeply affected regions like Mandalay and Sagaing. This quake, remarkable for its reach, was felt as far as Bangkok, where it tragically led to construction site fatalities. The case underscores the dangers of misinformation proliferating through social media and the complexities involved in predicting natural disasters.
