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
-Video shows a woman falling into a crater after Ayodhya’s Rampath caves in.
-Video shows road collapse in Gujarat.
Fact
2022 video showing an incident from Brazil.
A video showing a woman falling into a crater after the road caves in is being widely shared on social media platforms amid reports of damage to infrastructure due to incessant rainfall in several parts of the country. Those sharing the video claim that it shows the “condition” of newly built Rampath in Ayodhya after the first spell of rains.
Multiple X and Facebook users shared the video claiming it to be from Ayodhya.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Other social media users claimed that the footage was from Gujarat, another BJP-ruled state. Newschecker, however, found that it is neither from Ayodhya, nor Gujarat. The video actually shows a 2022 incident in Brazil.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here
Fact Check/Verification
On scanning through the comment sections of the posts carrying the viral footage, we found several users pointing out that the clip is in fact from Brazil.
Taking a clue, we looked up keywords “woman,” “falls” “pothole” and “video” in Portuguese on YouTube, which yielded a report by UOL, a Brazil-based news outlet, dated June 3, 2022.
Carrying the same video from a different angle, it stated, “Security cameras on a street in the city of Cascavel, Ceará, recorded the moment a crater opened up in the ground and a woman who was passing by fell into the hole, which was full of water…According to the city government, the woman is doing well. (translated from Portuguese via Google)“
Detailing the incident, a OPOVO report from June 2022 stated, “A woman, identified as Maria Rosilene, fell into a crater that opened in the center of Cascavel , 62.9 km from Fortaleza, on the morning of this Thursday, the 2nd. The incident happened on Chanceler Edson Queiroz Avenue and was recorded by security cameras at the location. Almost completely submerged by the water, the public servant was rescued by people who were nearby. (translated from Portuguese via Google) ”
Also Read: No, Viral Video Does Not Show Lighting Of Olympic Torch At A Paris Church
Another report by Istoe carried a screengrab from the viral footage, and corroborated with the aforementioned reports. “Due to the heavy rains of the last few days, the sidewalk gave way, and even with the identification cones, Maria passed through the area. With the drought this afternoon, the Public Works Department team is already on site solving the problem, (translated from Portuguese via Google)” the Cascavel City Hall said in a statement, the Istoe report further added.
Multiple other Brazil-based outlets like this, this and this reported on the incident.
Following the heavy downpour, road cave-ins and severe waterlogging were indeed reported on the Rampath in UP’s Ayodhya prompting the suspension of six officials from the civic agencies. Gujarat, too, faced infrastructural damage due to the rainfall. A road reportedly collapsed in Shela area of Ahmedabad disrupting traffic movement. However, this particular video is from Brazil, and not India.
Also Read: Excerpts Of LOP Rahul Gandhi’s Speech Shared In Wrong Context
Conclusion
Hence, the viral footage showing a road caving in, and a woman falling into a water-filled crater is neither from Ayodhya nor Gujarat. The incident in fact happened in Brazil in 2022.
Result: False
Sources
YouTube Video By UOL, Dated June 3, 2022
Report By OPOVO, Dated June 2, 2022
Report By Istoe, Dated June 3, 2022
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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.
