ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Unrelated Visuals of Cracks in Roads Falsely Linked to Telangana Earthquake

Two of the images were stock images, the other was credited to English daily Los Angeles Times.

Published
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large

A few visuals showing cracks on roads are being shared on social media platforms to claim that it shows the aftermath of the earthquake in Telangana.

(Archives of similar claims can be found here and here.)

Is the claim true?: The claim is false.

  • Two of the photos were stock images and the other was credited to English daily, Los Angeles Times.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

What we found: We checked both the images separately and found the following:

IMAGE 1: We ran a Google reverse image search on the image and were led to the Shutterstock website.

  • It carried the same image as the viral photo. It was uploaded on 23 May 2013 and the caption noted, "cracked asphalt after earthquake."

IMAGE 2: Similarly, we ran another Google reverse image search and were led to an article by LA Times from 29 August 2018 which carried the same image as the viral photo. The article's headline was, "Earthquake preparedness: What to do before — and during — a big one"

  • The image was credited to Allen J. Schaben from the daily and mentioned that it showed a crack on the road located in Huntington Beach, California.

IMAGE 3: Red FM Telugu uploaded a graphic about the earthquake in the state. We ran a Yandex and TinEye search on the image and found that it was also a stock image.

  • A website called, 123RF featured the image which notes, "crack of asphalt road after earthquake."

TinEye also noted that some of the results were found in "stock."

Earthquake in Telangana: The Hindu reported that on 4 December, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Mulugu district which continued for a brief period, roughly 6 to 8 seconds.

  • TS Divakara, Mulugu district collector stated that there has been no significant damage reported. Officials were instructed to examine rundown and provisional housing. "We are presently waiting for their report." “At this time, there have been no significant damages reported,” stated Divakara.

Conclusion: Three unrelated visuals have been falsely linked to the recent earthquake in Telangana.

(Not convinced of a post or information you came across online and want it verified? Send us the details on WhatsApp at 9540511818 , or e-mail it to us at webqoof@thequint.com and we'll fact-check it for you. You can also read all our fact-checked stories here.)

Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
Monthly
6-Monthly
Annual
Check Member Benefits
×
×