Dutch researcher Frank Hoogerbeets, who studies planetary and lunar alignments through the Solar System Geometry Survey, warned shortly before the earthquakes in Venezuela that a period of stronger seismic activity could follow a planetary and lunar alignment.

Hoogerbeets, whose theory linking planetary geometry to earthquakes is not accepted by mainstream seismology, posted on X: “Planetary and lunar geometry in the next two days. Potential for some stronger seismic activity.” The post was accompanied by a graphic showing the positions of Mercury, Uranus and Mars in relation to Earth.

A few hours later, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela overnight from Wednesday into Thursday, causing buildings to collapse in Caracas and La Guaira and prompting scenes of panic. According to initial reports from Venezuelan authorities, at least 32 people were killed, around 700 were injured and thousands are feared dead.