#assam: A viral social media post claiming that an 8.5-magnitude earthquake could strike between late August and September, with a possible epicentre near the Bhutan–Nepal foothills, has sparked concern across Assam and neighbouring regions. The claim is reportedly linked to a prediction made by a Dutch researcher and has been widely circulated online. However, there is no official confirmation from the Government of India, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), or any recognised scientific agency supporting such a specific prediction. Seismologists have consistently stated that earthquakes cannot be predicted with an exact date, time, or magnitude using current scientific methods. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely only on updates issued by official agencies. Citizens are advised to remain prepared for emergencies, but not to panic over unverified claims circulating on social media.