Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Timelapse video shows a house submerging in Wayanad.
Fact
Over a-month-old-video from China.
Multiple landslides hit Wayanad in Kerala during the early hours of July 30 claiming over 300 lives so far. As the authorities carry out rescue and relief operations, social media platforms continue to flood with unverified visuals claiming to be linked to the recent disaster. One such timelapse video showing what seems to be the gate of a house getting completely submerged due to flooding is going viral online, with users claiming it to be from Wayanad. Newshecker, however, found the claim to be untrue.
The 40-second-long-video is being widely circulated on Facebook and X to show the situation in Wayanad.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Viral Video Showing Dog Rescue In Landslides-Hit Wayanad Is Old & Unrelated
Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the viral footage, we noticed the timestamp mentioned the date of recording as ‘June 16, 2024.’ Further, we also spotted text seemingly in Chinese script written on the top right corner in the video, raising our doubts.
We then looked up the keyframes of the clip on Google lens which led us to an X post by @china_epoch, dated June 24, 2024. Carrying a longer version of the same clip, the post stated, “On June 16, 2024, the Huangtian Reservoir in Huangtian Village, Pingyuan County, Meizhou City suddenly released floodwaters. Surveillance cameras captured the process of a yard in Zhangyan Village, Pingyuan County being flooded, showing that the local water level rose by two metres in three hours…”
A report by NTDTV from June, 2024 also carried a longer version of the viral footage. “…a video was posted on Weibo. It is said that on June 16, the Huangtian Reservoir in Huangtian Village, Pingyuan County, Meizhou, Guangdong suddenly released floods. Surveillance video captured the process of a yard in Zhangyan Village, Pingyuan County being completely submerged. It is suspected that flood discharge from the reservoir caused the water level to rise,” the report stated.
“On the 16th, the Huangtian Reservoir in Huangtian Village, Pingyuan County, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province, suddenly released floodwaters without warning. According to the video content, the flood surged two metres in three hours, catching the villagers off guard. It was not until 3 pm that the local government notified the villagers to evacuate, at which time the village was already flooded,” stated aboluowang.com.
Also Read: Wayanad Landslides – Video Of DYFI Relief Efforts Falsely Shared As RSS Aid
Another X post by @xinwendiaocha, dated June 23, 2024, carried the same video, stating, “Surveillance video reveals the truth: Pingyuan County reservoir released floodwater without warning, and the flood rose 2 metres in 3 hours! June 16, Huangtian Reservoir, Huangtian Village, Pingyuan County, Meizhou, Guangdong. “
A longer version of the video was also shared in an X post by @SoundOfHope_SOH to show the situation in China after water was released from a reservoir without prior warning.
China was reportedly grappling with severe flooding and landslides due to incessant rainfall in June this year. “At least 47 people have died as downpours in southern China’s Guangdong province caused historic flooding and slides, state media reported Friday, while authorities warned of more flooding ahead in other parts of the country, stated an AP report published on June 21, 2024.
“State broadcaster CCTV said Friday afternoon that another 38 people were confirmed dead in the jurisdiction of Meizhou city, adding to nine others previously reported dead elsewhere in Meizhou,” it added.
Also Read: 2001 Image of El Salvador Earthquake Viral As Wayanad Landslide
Conclusion
Hence, a video from China has been falsely shared to show a timelapse video of a house submerging in water in Wayanad.
Result: False
Sources
X Post By @china_epoch, Dated June 24, 2024
Report By NTDTV, Dated June 24, 2024
X post by @xinwendiaocha, dated June 23, 2024
If you would like us to fact-check a claim, give feedback or lodge a complaint, WhatsApp us at 9999499044 or email us at checkthis@newschecker.in. You can also visit the Contact Us page and fill out the form. Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates.
Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
