The procedure to quell the “9•13” earthquake tsunami rumors in Hainan and its scientific reflection

A so-called earthquake " prophecy” of a Brazilian teacher once caused the discussion and anxiety in Hainan. Beginning in early 2008, the Hainan Provincial Committee and the Provincial Government, Hainan Earthquake Agency and the news media actively responded to the " 9•13” earthquake tsunami rumors, by strengthening earthquake monitoring、emergency duty, encrypting earthquake meetings, and increasing news publicity and education and scientific explanation. Eventually, the earthquake and tsunami rumors were quelled down and the social order was stabilized. This article reviewed the process to quell the rumor and the successful experiences in 2008, and make scientific reflections and summaries to increase the public scientific awareness and to provide reference for such incidents in the future.