A series of powerful earthquakes reported across different parts of the world in recent months has sparked concern among netizens, with many questioning whether the seemingly frequent seismic activity signals a larger pattern.
On August 15, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit eastern Indonesia near the Flores region, causing widespread damage, landslides and even fatalities.
The incident prompted authorities to issue a tsunami warning, which was lifted about three hours later after no significant threat was confirmed.
According to Reuters, at least 38 people died, while around 2,000 residents were evacuated to safer areas as rescue teams worked to reach communities affected by communication disruptions.
The disaster quickly drew attention online. Many have revisited powerful earthquakes recently recorded in places such as Venezuela, Japan, California and the Philippines, leading some users to wonder if the events could be connected.
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Science vs Religion
On a TikTok video report by CNN featuring Indonesia’s earthquake, one person expressed fear and frustration over what they perceived as a continuous string of strong earthquakes occurring around the world.
“We are seeing Bible prophecies being fulfilled,” the commenter wrote.
“Never ever seen so many 7.0+ earthquakes in 1 year. It used to be a decade or two in between,” another added.
Meanwhile, others debunked these theories.
“For the ppl that choose to ignore science and keep quoting biblical text about the end of days,” @selvaspirit said. “Let me remind that Indonesia is in vital part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, sitting between to massive tectonic plates. Religion is fine but don’t let it stop you from reading and learning new information and facts.”
Experts have also cautioned against assuming that the earthquakes are part of one global chain reaction.
In June, seismologists told The Guardian newspaper that several powerful earthquakes occurring close together geographically and chronologically were not necessarily related.
Scientists explained that earthquakes happen daily around the world, while major events occurring simultaneously in distant regions can simply be coincidental.
Indonesia’s latest earthquake nevertheless highlights the continuing risks faced by communities located along active tectonic boundaries.
The country lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic activities.
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Ian Trinidad 
Eugene Nicklaus S. Laqui 
Newsjustnews writers