More than 2,400 people have been killed and several thousands injured in earthquakes which ravaged Turkey and Syria on Monday. Turkey Earthquake LIVE updates
Several heart-breaking videos showing the extent of the disaster have emerged from the quake-hit land. However, an unusual video of birds flying chaotically is quickly going viral on social media sites. The post claims that the video is from Turkey, just before the earthquake hit the region, and that birds have the ability to predict earthquakes. ALSO READ: Turkish Syria quake kills over 2,400; trapped citizens battle freezing weather | Top 5 points
Hindustan Times could not independently verify the video and the claim.
Netizens were quick to comment on the post. “All the animals and birds , sea life can sense every natural calamity … humans have lost that sense,” a user commented. While the other user countered saying, they’re flying around and then landing on a tree. “Seriously, this is a daily occurrence with the crows in my neighbourhood,” user tweeted.
Can animals and birds predict earthquake?
According to a report from United States Geological Survey, The oldest account of strange animal behaviour prior to a large earthquake dates back to 373 BC in Greece. Rats, weasels, snakes, and centipedes reportedly fled their homes several days before a devastating earthquake.
Animals and birds may sense earthquake by various ways. Some animals may be sensitive to changes in the electromagnetic field that occur before an earthquake. Some may detect changes in barometric pressure, which can occur before an earthquake. ALSO READ: Why was this earthquake in Turkey and Syria so devastating?
Animals that are close to the ground, such as those in burrows or nests, may be able to feel the ground movements that occur before an earthquake. Earthquakes generate low-frequency vibrations that can be felt by some animals, such as dogs, before they can be felt by humans.
However, it can’t be said conclusively if animals and birds can sense earthquakes and even if they do through which mechanism. “Consistent and reliable behaviour prior to seismic events, and a mechanism explaining how it could work, still eludes us,” the report say.