False Claims of Imminent Major Earthquakes Across the Pacific Debunked

A widely circulated Facebook message from the page Earthquake News Everyday inaccurately forecasts that a severe earthquake measuring between magnitude 6.5 and 8.5 will impact several Pacific countries—including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Chile, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, New Zealand, and Australia—within the next hours to days.

Seismological experts and official agencies have categorically rejected these claims. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), a leading authority in earthquake research, states unequivocally that predicting the exact timing, location, and strength of earthquakes is not currently possible and is not expected to be achievable in the foreseeable future. According to the USGS, no scientist or institution has ever accurately forecasted a major earthquake.

Similarly, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has repeatedly cautioned against trusting unverified social media posts that issue supposed "red alerts" or claim to predict significant seismic events within hours or days. PHIVOLCS emphasizes that no official earthquake warning matching the viral post's description has been issued.

Moreover, the notion of a simultaneous major quake affecting over a dozen countries spanning multiple tectonic plates contradicts geological understanding. Each fault line operates independently; activity on one does not herald imminent events on others across the Pacific Ring of Fire.

While emerging scientific studies explore seismic precursors and subtle underground changes preceding earthquakes, these remain experimental in nature. Currently, there are no validated predictive methods or operational systems that can provide early warnings hours or days in advance.

Experts warn that dissemination of false earthquake warnings can cause unnecessary public alarm, diminish trust in legitimate hazard communications, and propagate misinformation driven by sensationalism rather than evidence.

True earthquake preparedness relies on robust hazard mapping, adherence to building codes, and community readiness programs—not on uncertain predictions.

In summary, no credible seismological institution—including USGS, PHIVOLCS, Japan Meteorological Agency, or Geoscience Australia—has issued an alert forecasting a major earthquake threat across the Pacific in the near term. The viral post from Earthquake News Everyday is misleading and should be disregarded to prevent unwarranted panic.