FACT CHECK: Viral X Video Shows Mudslide In Japan, Not Flash Floods In Libya
A viral video shared on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, purports to show flash floods in Libya.
Heartbreaking to see the havoc caused by flash floods in Libya. Its yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for global action on climate resilience and preparedness.
#LibyaFloods #ClimateAction #Libya #Libye #LibyaFlood pic.twitter.com/dmu8Gs87iV— مزمل حسین (@Muxammilhusain) September 12, 2023
Verdict: Misleading
The video shows a mudslide that occurred in Atami, Japan in July 2021, not recent flash floods in Libya.
Fact Check:
Flooding as a result of Storm Daniel has killed over 5,300 people in Derna, Libya, according to CBS News. Two dams above Derna burst and prompted the flooding as a result of the storm, CNN reported.
“Heartbreaking to see the havoc caused by flash floods in Libya. Its yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for global action on climate resilience and preparedness,” the X video’s caption reads. A reddish-brown building is visible as a stream of mud overtakes the area. The video has been viewed over 80,000 times as of writing.
The video is not linked to the recent flash floods in Libya, however. Check Your Fact conducted a reverse image search using a screenshot from the video and determined it shows a mudslide that occurred in Atami, Japan in July 2021. The same reddish-brown building that appears in the viral X video is featured in a photo published in a Japan Times article. The article indicates a mudslide struck Atami on July 3, 2021.
Likewise, a keyword search using the terms “Atami disaster” and “July 2021” generates an Insider article covering the mudslide. At least four people died and another 80 were missing as a result of the natural disaster, the outlet reported.
The article also featured the same video clip shared via the viral X post, though this iteration correctly indicated it showed the mudslide in Japan.
OMG. Terrifying mudslide in Japan outside of Tokyo…pic.twitter.com/cu4nWINX0Y
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) July 3, 2021
In addition, Check Your Fact did not find any credible news reports about the recent flash floods in Libya that include the viral X post. (RELATED: X Video Does Not Show Worshippers During Morocco Earthquake)
Check Your Fact has contacted Libya’s Ministry of Local Governance and Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency for comment. We will update this piece accordingly if one is received.