VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Viral video of eroding land NOT in the Philippines


As the Philippines experienced a series of typhoons, Filipino FB users circulated a video of houses on a river bank about to be swept away by raging water. The clip was taken seven years ago in Nepal.

On Sept. 5, a Filipino netizen uploaded a 15-minute and 27-second video showing land on the edge of a river collapsing into the water. Residents and authorities can also be seen around the area and their supposed screams were also recorded.

The post’s caption did not indicate where the incident took place, leaving several netizens asking for details. Some pointed out that it happened years ago in a different country, while one netizen commented that it was in Nueva Ecija province.  

The original clip shows a scene in the municipality of Duhabi in Nepal seven years ago. 

Reverse image search of the video’s screenshots led to the YouTube channel Gopal Pradhan, which posted the original 5-minute and 15-second video on May 25, 2016. The caption stated: “Duhabi water flow.” The viral video only repeated the clips and used different audio of screams to replace the original sound. 

Note: Click on the photo to view its original source.

Fact-checking organizations in Nepal and Jordan previously flagged the video that likewise circulated with false context in other countries.

The misleading clip was posted the same day the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration confirmed the development of tropical depression Ineng, which followed Typhoon Hanna (international name: Haiku) and Super Typhoon Goring (Saola) that brought heavy rains to the country. 

The viral Nepal landslide video uploaded by a Filipino FB user drew 346 comments, 325 shares and 1.2 million views as of writing. 

Have you seen any dubious claims, photos, memes, or online posts that you want us to verify? Fill out this reader request form or send it to VERA, the truth bot on Viber.

(Editor’s Note: VERA Files has partnered with Facebook to fight the spread of disinformation. Find out more about this partnership and our methodology.)



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