Earthquake Prediction for March 10? Man Linked to Turkey Quake Warning Issues Fresh Alert

A Dutch researcher who previously drew attention after commenting on seismic activity before the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquake has once again issued a warning about the possibility of a major earthquake.

Frank Hoogerbeets from the Solar System Geometry Survey (SSGEOS) said there is a high probability of a larger seismic event around March 10, based on planetary alignments and lunar peaks.

In a recent post on social media, Hoogerbeets wrote that a lunar peak following planetary alignments in recent days had already triggered clusters of strong earthquakes, and suggested that seismic activity could intensify.

"Today we have the lunar peak that follows on the planetary peaks in the last two days, which already triggered a cluster of strong quakes. There is a high probability of a larger seismic event around 10 March," he said, referring to a graph discussed in a video released earlier this month.

Prediction draws attention and criticism

Hoogerbeets gained widespread attention after the deadly 2023 earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, killing tens of thousands of people. His earlier social media posts discussing planetary alignments before the disaster led some users to claim that he had predicted the quake.

However, many scientists and experts have strongly questioned the validity of such claims, saying the methods used by Hoogerbeets are not scientifically recognised.

Several social media users have also criticised the latest warning, describing it as pseudoscience and cautioning against spreading fear based on unverified predictions.

Can earthquakes really be predicted?

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), predicting earthquakes with precise timing is currently impossible.

The USGS states that neither it nor any other scientific institution has successfully predicted a major earthquake. Scientists are only able to estimate the probability of earthquakes occurring in certain regions over long periods, based on historical data and geological studies.

Researchers rely on hazard mapping and statistical models to assess seismic risk, but exact predictions about when and where a major earthquake will occur are not possible with current scientific knowledge.

Experts advise caution

Experts say that while monitoring seismic patterns is important, claims about exact dates or locations of earthquakes should be treated carefully unless backed by established scientific methods.

Authorities and scientific organisations continue to emphasise preparedness, improved building standards and disaster planning as the most effective ways to reduce the impact of earthquakes.