Unrelated video shared as Philippine tsunami

By: Rajini KG
December 7 2023

Share Article:

Screenshot of the video shared online. (Source: Instagram/Modified by Logically Facts)

Claim

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the Philippines on December 2, 2023, and triggered a warning for a tsunami in the country. Though the warning was later removed, the quake affected over 500 families and left three dead. 

Following this, a video is being shared on Instagram showing two clips. The first one is a news broadcast of CBS News Chicago that talks about the Philippine earthquake, and the other shows high tides recorded from a distance. The post had garnered more than 11,000 likes at the time of writing this story. An archive of the post can be found here.

Screenshot of the video shared online. (Source: Instagram/Modified by Logically Facts)

How we found out

A Google reverse image search on the video led us to a report from CNN Brasil, which published the video on November 28, 2023. The report was titled, "Video: waves of up to 10 meters caused by cyclone flood southern Russia." The viral video footage can be seen at the 26 second timestamp. There are several other clips of footage that can be seen in the video.

Screenshot of the CNN Brasil report. (Source: CNN Brasil/Screenshot)

Another YouTube channel called "Weather Updates" also published the video, noting it is from Russia. The video was uploaded on November 27, 2023.

2023 Storm Bettina

On November 25, 2023, a storm named Bettina formed in the Adriatic Sea, intensifying on November 26. It caused high waves, torrential rains, and strong winds along Russia's Black Sea coast, the Greek island of Lesbos, and Ukraine. There have been reports of violent waves and flooding in Sochi and Balaklava, as well as houses collapsing in Crimea. According to The Washington Post, Storm Bettina claimed the lives of at least 23 individuals.

The verdict

The video predates the Philippine earthquake and reportedly shows the impact of Storm Bettina in Russia.