Earthquake idiocy

Last night a large segment of Jordan slept in the street, because of a rumor of an earthquake that was supposedly eminent. A similar rumor was spread a few months ago. Now, it is well known that it is essentially impossible to predict when an earthquake might occur. Seismologists study ground movement after it occurs, and all attempts to develop techniques to predict earthquakes have failed. At best, people have noticed that animals start behaving erratically and ground water levels change slightly in some cases a short time before an earthquake. However, the results of using these indicators are poor.

As in the case a few months ago, a rumor spread that the experts were unable to quell. The fact that the Natural Resources Authority issued a statement that earthquake prediction is impossible, and that there should be no reason to expect an earthquake on Saturday night, or any other time for that matter, did not help. I hope that the people who slept in the street feel as stupid as they should feel. How many times can you fool the same people in the same way?

I believe that people who start these rumors are a threat to the public good. As such, criminal investigations should be initiated to find the source of this rumor, and to apply appropriate punishments. Of course, this does not alleviate the blame from the naïve who believe every rumor whispered in their ears. If any of you guys who slept in the street reads this, I have a bank account in Nigeria that I need your help with.