Dutch Researcher Predicts Earthquake in India; Scientists Say Quakes Can’t be Foretold  

Speculations are circulating on social media and WhatsApp groups about a major earthquake likely to hit the South Asian region, including India, Pakistan, and other countries in the next few days.

The Twitter handle of an organization named ‘Solar System Geometry Survey (SSGEOS)’ has made this prediction about seismic activity in some parts of South Asia. The prediction is based on lunar activity, the location and geometry of planets, and other celestial objects.

“Potential for stronger seismic activity in or near the purple band 1-6 days. This is an estimate. Other regions are not excluded,” the tweet read.

Potential for stronger seismic activity in or near the purple band 1-6 days. This is an estimate. Other regions are not excluded. pic.twitter.com/YC7NJtEdbO

— SSGEOS (@ssgeos) January 29, 2023

The ‘prediction’ was followed by the same account tweeting a video of Dutch ‘seismologist’ Frank Hoogerbeets pointing at “potential” areas where seismic activity is likely to take place—including India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Larger seismic activity may occur from 4 to 6 February, most likely up to mid or high 6 magnitude. There is a slight possibility of a larger seismic event around 4 February.https://t.co/75I3PjAarX

— SSGEOS (@ssgeos) February 2, 2023

Hoogerbeets is now in news for “correctly predicting” the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. So, social media users are sharing videos of the Dutch ‘researcher’ predicting the potential earthquake in India and Pakistan.

But modern scientists widely criticize Hoogberts and organizations like the SSGEOS for their unscientific approach. Seismologists and geologists say it is impossible to predict earthquakes.

“Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. We do not know how, and we do not expect to know how any time in the foreseeable future,” the United States Geological Survey (USGS) says on its website.