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UCR debunks false earthquake alert circulating in Costa Rica
🇨🇷 Costa Rica /Disasters & Emergencies

UCR debunks false earthquake alert circulating in Costa Rica

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Costa Rican social media and messaging platforms are circulating a false alert about an imminent earthquake.
  • The University of Costa Rica (UCR) has debunked the message, stating that earthquake timing cannot be predicted.
  • Authorities are warning the public against spreading unverified information regarding seismic events.

A false alert about an imminent earthquake in Costa Rica is spreading rapidly through social media and messaging apps, prompting an official warning from the University of Costa Rica (UCR). The university has firmly debunked the message, emphasizing that it is scientifically impossible to predict the exact timing of earthquakes.

Authorities are urging the public to disregard the alarming but fabricated messages. The spread of such misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and anxiety among the population. Officials stress the importance of relying on credible sources for information, especially concerning natural disasters.

The UCR's alert serves as a reminder of the challenges in combating digital misinformation, particularly when it preys on public fears about natural phenomena like earthquakes. The focus remains on educating the public and promoting responsible information sharing.

It is not possible to know when an earthquake will occur.

— University of Costa RicaThe University of Costa Rica's statement debunking the false alert.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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