Fact Check: TikTok Video Claiming Earthquake in Addis Ababa is PARTLY FALSE

A TikTok video falsely claims to depict an earthquake in Addis Ababa in 2024. Although a low-magnitude earthquake did occur on 6 October 2024, the video is actually from a 2022 event in Fukushima, Japan. PesaCheck’s initiatives aim to clarify such misinformation in social media.

A recent TikTok video claiming to depict an earthquake in Addis Ababa in October 2024 has been confirmed to be PARTLY FALSE. The original post in Amharic alleges, “An Earthquake happening at night in Addis Ababa around the Summit area.” Nevertheless, while there indeed was a low-magnitude earthquake reported in Addis Ababa on 6 October 2024, occurring at 8:10 p.m. and felt in areas such as Meskel Square and Kazanchis, the footage in question was already available online since 2022. A comprehensive analysis revealed that the video had first been published by the Cadena Ser news outlet on 16 March 2022, in the context of a significant earthquake in Fukushima, Japan, where a tsunami warning was issued following a 7.3 magnitude event. The same footage was later shared on 16 March 2022 on X (formerly Twitter) alongside updates regarding earthquakes off the coast of Fukushima measuring 7.3 and 6.4 in magnitude. This instance is part of an ongoing series of fact-checks conducted by PesaCheck to sift through potential misinformation across various social media platforms. They strive to deliver the public with accurate insights to distinguish facts from falsehoods. PesaCheck operates as East Africa’s pioneering public finance fact-checking initiative, founded by esteemed individuals such as Catherine Gicheru and Justin Arenstein. It collaborates with notable organizations like Code for Africa to ensure the accuracy of public assertions, particularly focusing on matters affecting public finance and the provision of Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). The fact-check was written by a dedicated PesaCheck fact-checker based in Ethiopia. It has since been subjected to rigorous editorial oversight by senior editors Mary Mutisya and Stephen Ndegwa, and ultimately approved by managing editor Doreen Wainainah.

The verification of the TikTok video stems from ongoing concerns regarding misinformation in the digital space, especially concerning natural disasters and public safety. The earthquake in Addis Ababa on 6 October 2024, while minor, drew attention due to its reported impacts. Conversely, the misattributed footage highlights the necessity for critical examination of sources and information circulating on social media. This particular fact-check is part of PesaCheck’s broader mission to combat misinformation and provide clarity on relevant public matters, particularly in the context of Africa’s unique challenges and developments.

In summary, the TikTok video claiming to show an earthquake in Addis Ababa in 2024 has been determined to be PARTLY FALSE. Although an earthquake did occur on the specified date, the video was not a real-time depiction of that event. Instead, it is footage from a significant earthquake in Fukushima, Japan, from 2022. PesaCheck’s effort underscores the importance of fact-checking in fostering an informed public and combating misinformation in the digital age.

Original Source: pesacheck.org