Peruvian Navy debunks viral 8.8 magnitude earthquake hoax

The Peruvian Navy, the Ministry of Defense, and the Callao Regional Emergency Operations Center (COER Callao) have officially debunked a viral audio recording and message circulating on social media and messaging services. The false content claimed an imminent 8.8 magnitude earthquake would strike Lima between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Authorities emphasized that earthquakes are natural phenomena that cannot be predicted in terms of time, location, or magnitude. The Peruvian Navy clarified that any communication attributing a specific time or magnitude to a seismic event that has not been published through their official channels is not authentic.

The Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) has reiterated that it is scientifically impossible to predict earthquakes with such precision. Officials have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely exclusively on official government platforms and communication channels to prevent unnecessary panic.