Prophet Nostradamus predicted another disaster centuries ago in his infamous text “Les Propheties” – and his followers believe it came true on New Year’s Day 2024 with the powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that rocked Japan.
The 16th century French philosopher had written “The dry Earth will become more parched and there will be great floods” when outlining his forecasts for 2024. His adherents believe this refers to the devastating tremor, which has killed at least 48 people so far.
The quake struck Japan’s west coast around 4 pm local time on January 1st, toppling buildings, triggering 3-foot tsunamis, and prompting residents in coastal towns to flee. Around 120 people are still awaiting rescue as emergency crews including 3,000 army personnel, firefighters, and police comb the disaster site on the Noto peninsula.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called it “a battle against time” to find and save survivors. This is not the first time one of Nostradamus’ vague predictions has appeared to come chillingly true – he has previously been credited with forecasting events like the rise of Hitler and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some also believe this earthquake was presaged by sightings of giant oarfish, known as the “doomsday fish”, off Taiwan’s coast last summer. Japanese legend says these deep sea creatures intentionally beach themselves ahead of tremors. No scientific evidence supports this, but it’s feeding into psychic claims that Nostradamus was right again.