A TikTok post archived here, shows a flooded area. According to the post’s caption, the video supposedly shows the impact of Cyclone Freddy in Malawi and Mozambique.
Background
The use of visual content to spread climate disinformation is a common trend often used to generate traction and make content viral while overlooking important aspects of the climate debate such as policy. An article published by Piga Firimbi here, looks into trends of mis/disinformation in the public discourse, with a focus on Kenyan digital spaces.
Previously, Piga Firimbi also debunked a Facebook post claimed to show the impact of Cyclone Freddy while using images from a Tsunami that occurred in Japan in 2011. Find the fact-check Here.
Verification
A Google reverse search reveals that the video began circulating online on March 14, 2023. Among the results from the reverse search is a Facebook post on the KBS Television UG page published on March 14, 2023. Besides a second post on Twitter indicating that the video is actually from Uganda, as taken on March 14, 2023, further analysis of elements in the video also prove that the video is from Uganda.
For instance, the audio is of people speaking in Luganda, a common language in Uganda. Similarly, the number plate on the red car contains Ugandan number plates– UBF. See screengrab below;
Verdict
The TikTok post claiming to illustrate the impact of Cyclone Freddy in Mozambique and Malawi is MISLEADING.
This fact-check was produced by Africa Uncensored with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck, International Fact-Checking Network, and African Fact-Checking Alliance network.
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