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 lightning strike the Bijlee Mahadev temple in Kullu.
Such posts can be seen here and here.
Also Read: Old, Unrelated Images From Idukki Linked To Recent Landslides In Wayanad
Fact
A Google lens search on the keyframes of the viral footage led us to a Facebook post by @SpaceXtimes, dated May 10, 2024. Carrying the same compilation video, it stated, “Lightning strike on top of Guatemala Volcano…”
On analysing the video, we found that it was a compilation of multiple short clips.
Clip 1
Further, a laterally inverted version of the first clip of the compilation video was shared on X by Nexta TV on May 4, 2024. “Lightning struck the top of the Fuego volcano in #Guatemala,” read the caption.
Clip 2 & 4
We then looked up keywords “Guatemala,” “volcano” and “lightning” on YouTube which yielded multiple reports carrying similar clips of lightning strikes at the volcano. On comparing the keyframes of such videos with clip 2 and clip 4 of the viral compilation, we could conclude them to be from Fuego volcano only.
Furthermore, we found clip 2 posted on Instagram on April 30, with the caption reading, “Fuego Volcano in all its glory.”
Also Read: Old, Unrelated Videos Shared As Protests In Paris Over ‘Satanic’ Olympics Opening Ceremony
Clip 3 & 5
We then looked up the keyframes of clip 3 on Google lens which led us to the Instagram profile of @cristian_cante. On skimming through the account, we found a laterally inverted version of clip 3 in the viral compilation shared on September 10, 2023. The post was shared with multiple hashtags such as “#tormenta #fuego #volcano,” indicating it shows the Fuego volcano of Guatemala.
Furthermore, a laterally inverted version of clip 5 was also shared on the Instagram account of @cristian_cante in September, 2023. “Light show in lightning storm on the crater of Volcano de Fuego,” the post stated.
We were also able to geo-locate the volcano on Google Earth View. The same can be seen here.
Hence, a compilation video from Guatemala has been falsely shared to show lighting striking Bijlee Mahadev temple in Kullu.
Result: False
Sources
Facebook Post By @SpaceXtimes, Dated May 10, 2024
X Post By Nexta TV, Dated May 4, 2024
YouTube Video By ABC 7 Chicago, Dated May 14, 2024
Instagram Post By @cap_turandoelmomento, Dated, September 10, 2023
Instagram Post By @cap_turandoelmomento, Dated, September 9, 2023
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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.
