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
Man gets hit by massive waves while reporting on “Gujarat Cyclone” (cyclone Biparjoy).
Such posts can be seen here and here.
Also Read: Old CGI Video Shared As Cyclone Biparjoy Approaching Gujarat Coast Caught On Cam
Fact
A Google lens search on the keyframes of the footage led us to a Facebook post by @Jayasuryajayan, dated June 15, 2017. It carried the video of the reporter being attacked by the waves with the caption, “Sincerity of the year award goes to…”
In the video linked to the cyclone in Gujarat, the reporter is heard speaking in Gujarati, however in the 2017 clip he is reporting in Malayalam language.
Also Read: Old, Unrelated Videos Shared To Show Impact Of Cyclone Biparjoy
A report by The News Minute, dated June 15, 2017, identified the man as News18 Kerala reporter Anish. It further stated, “Anish was reporting on the turbulent sea and the havoc it has been causing in Alappuzha. Along with his cameraperson, Anish had captured visuals of the destruction unleashed by the water – houses by the sea in ruin, as their owners sat mournfully watching the high tides. Holding an umbrella, the reporter then stood with his back towards the sea, to deliver his piece to camera (PTC). “It’s been many days since the sea destroyed the houses here. People have no place to sleep, they don’t have any food…,” he begins.
Adding, “And just as Anish is concluding, a huge wave crashes over him, forcefully closing his umbrella. But Anish refuses to be a wet blanket and give up. He soldiers on with the final words, “Authorities have not turned their eye here.” “
Other reports on the incident can be seen here and here.
Hence, a 2017 video of a reporter getting hit by a massive wave while reporting by the sea in Kerala has been digitally edited to add Gujarati audio, and falsely linked to Cyclone Biparjoy.
Also Read: Old Video Of Massive Waves Crashing Against Bridge Falsely Linked To Cyclone Biparjoy
Result: False
Sources
Facebook Post By @Jayasuryajayan, Dated June 15, 2017
Report By The News Minute, Dated June 15, 2017
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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.
