Group 1 - The company expects to report an unaudited consolidated net profit attributable to owners of approximately HKD 6 million for the six months ending June 30, 2025, representing a decrease of about 82% compared to approximately HKD 34 million for the same period in 2024 [1] - The significant decline in net profit is attributed to various factors, including geopolitical tensions and escalating international trade disputes, which have posed challenges to the global economy [1] - The spread of rumors regarding a major earthquake in Japan in July 2025 has led to a sharp decline in tourism demand, despite Japan being a popular destination for residents of Hong Kong [1] Group 2 - The rumors about the earthquake on July 5, 2025, have been confirmed to be unfounded, and the management anticipates a gradual recovery in the number of tourists traveling from Hong Kong to Japan in the coming months [2] - The hotel business is expected to continue performing well, and the company holds an optimistic outlook for the improvement of tourism-related business in the second half of 2025 [2]

Core Viewpoint - The company, 東瀛游 (06882.HK), expects a significant decline in net profit attributable to shareholders for the six months ending June 30, 2025, projecting approximately HKD 6 million, a decrease of about 82% compared to HKD 34 million in the same period of 2024 [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The projected net profit for the first half of 2025 is approximately HKD 6 million, a substantial drop from HKD 34 million in the first half of 2024, indicating a decrease of around 82% [1] - The decline in profit is attributed to various factors, including geopolitical tensions and escalating international trade disputes affecting the global economy [1] Group 2: Market Conditions - The evolving tariff situation has increased uncertainty, severely disrupting global trade and investment [1] - Rumors of a large-scale earthquake in Japan, which circulated widely on social media, have led to a sharp decline in tourism demand for Japan, despite its popularity among Hong Kong residents [1] Group 3: Business Impact - The company's focus on providing Japan-centered tourism products and services has resulted in a significant reduction in revenue and gross profit from tourism-related operations for the first half of 2025 [1] - Although the hotel business performed satisfactorily, the overall net profit for the first half of 2025 still experienced a substantial decrease [1]

Core Viewpoint - Recent rumors regarding a predicted 8.0 magnitude earthquake in Guangdong, attributed to academician Ni Sidao, have been debunked as false, leading to public panic and significant disruptions in Japan due to similar unfounded earthquake predictions [1][3][4]. Group 1: Earthquake Predictions and Reactions - A screenshot claiming that an 8.0 magnitude earthquake will occur in Guangdong within eight months has circulated online, but it has been confirmed as false by Ni Sidao's team, who have reported the incident to the authorities [1][3]. - The Japan Meteorological Agency has also refuted claims of a major earthquake on July 5, emphasizing that earthquakes cannot be precisely predicted, and urged the public to remain calm [3][4]. Group 2: Public Response and Impact - Despite official denials, panic has spread in Japan and globally, with some individuals evacuating or postponing travel plans; travel agencies report cancellation rates as high as 80% for trips to Japan [4]. - There has been a surge in demand for emergency supplies, with sales of disaster kits increasing by 300%, and unusual crowds at airports have been reported, leading to a temporary crash of the Japan Meteorological Agency's website due to high traffic [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the spread of false information regarding potential earthquakes in Guangdong and Japan, highlighting the reactions and consequences of these rumors on public behavior and safety measures [2][3][4]. Summary by Sections Earthquake Predictions and Rumors - A screenshot claiming that an academic predicted an 8.0 magnitude earthquake in Guangdong within eight months circulated online, attributed to a user named "倪四道" [2]. - The team of the mentioned academic, a geophysicist and member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, confirmed that the information was false and has reported it to the authorities [2]. Public Reaction in Japan - A rumor about a devastating earthquake in Japan on July 5 led to widespread panic, despite official denials from the Japan Meteorological Agency, which stated that earthquakes cannot be precisely predicted [3][4]. - The panic resulted in significant behavioral changes, including travel cancellations, with some travel agencies reporting an 80% cancellation rate for trips to Japan [4]. Economic Impact - The fear of an impending earthquake caused a surge in demand for emergency supplies, with sales of disaster kits increasing by 300% [4]. - Airports experienced unusual crowds, and the Japan Meteorological Agency's website temporarily crashed due to high traffic [4]. - Some regions initiated evacuation plans, indicating a proactive approach by residents in response to the rumors [4].

Group 1 - A screenshot claiming that Academician Ni Sidao predicted an earthquake of magnitude 8 or above in Guangdong within eight months has circulated online [1] - Ni Sidao is a geophysicist and a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, currently serving as the deputy director of the Institute of Precision Measurement Science and Technology Innovation [1] - The team associated with Ni Sidao has stated that the information in the screenshot is not from him and has reported the incident to the police [1] Group 2 - Seismologist Chen Huizhong indicated that the claims in the screenshot lack scientific basis and appear to be a rumor using Ni Sidao's name [1] - Chen Huizhong contacted Ni Sidao regarding the misinformation, and Ni confirmed that he has also reported the matter to the authorities [1]

Core Viewpoint - A false claim regarding an imminent 8.0 magnitude earthquake in Guangdong attributed to Academician Ni Sidao has circulated online, prompting a response from his team and experts to clarify the misinformation [1][2]. Group 1 - The claim about an 8.0 magnitude earthquake prediction in Guangdong is based on a screenshot from a user named "Ni Sidao," which is not a legitimate statement from the academician [1]. - Ni Sidao is a prominent geophysicist and vice president of the Institute of Precision Measurement Science and Technology Innovation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, specializing in seismology [2]. - The team of Ni Sidao has reported the misinformation to the authorities, emphasizing that the content lacks scientific basis and is a fabrication [2].