MET Dismisses Viral Social Media Earthquake Prediction

The National Meteorological Agency (MET) has dismissed viral social media claims that an earthquake is expected to strike the Maldives in the coming days, stating that there is no scientific basis for such predictions.

The clarification follows a post shared by a social media page named State of Maldives, which claimed that a magnitude 5.2 earthquake would hit the country within the next few days.

In a statement, MET said that while scientists are able to identify regions where earthquakes are more likely to occur over long periods, there is currently no scientific method capable of predicting earthquakes before they happen.

The agency stressed that there is no verified scientific way to determine the exact date, time, location or magnitude of a future earthquake.

MET said it continuously monitors global seismic activity and will promptly share verified information if any earthquake occurs that could affect the Maldives.

The agency added that it routinely issues public updates when earthquakes occur near the Maldives and provides information on whether such events pose any risk to the country.