Hoax – A video shows a giant wave hitting the coast of Somalia, causing panic among tourists and locals. The wave reportedly caused destruction and was the result of an extreme weather phenomenon.
Analysis
A video allegedly showing a giant wave invading the Somali coast is going viral on social media. In the footage, recorded from atop a cliff, water advances over the shore, hitting an area with tourists and buildings as people flee in panic. The post includes an alarmist text, with fictional reports from victims and local authorities.
Posts claim the event occurred on a Monday morning due to climate factors and a possible underwater earthquake. The narrative mentions destruction, evacuation, and a warning from Somali Civil Defense. Read the message and watch the video:
Giant wave hits Somalia coast and surprises unsuspecting tourists Panic and destruction marked Monday morning (5) on the coast of Somalia, when a giant wave over 10 meters high unexpectedly hit the region and caught tourists and locals off guard. According to local authorities, the wave appeared suddenly around 9:30 AM, reaching busy shoreline spots where dozens of tourists were enjoying the sunny weather. Videos circulating on social media show scenes of chaos and despair, with beach chairs, tents, and personal belongings dragged by the force of the water.
“It all happened very fast. The tide seemed calm and suddenly we heard a roar. In seconds, the water flooded everything. There was only time to run,” said Lina Foster, an Australian tourist who was there. Experts believe the wave was caused by a combination of extreme weather and a possible submarine earthquake, although the exact cause is still under investigation. Local Civil Defense warned of the risk of new waves and advised tourists and locals to avoid the beach for the next 48 hours. Rescue teams remain on site to ensure safety and help repair damages.
Fact-Check
The video is impressive at first glance, but closer analysis reveals inconsistencies. To verify this case, we’ll answer the following: 1) Did a giant wave hit Somalia and cause destruction? 2) Is the video of the wave in Somalia real or AI-generated? 3) Are there similar fake news?
Did a giant wave hit Somalia and cause destruction?
No. There are no official reports, news coverage, or statements from authorities about a giant wave hitting Somalia recently.
Although the country has a long coastline along the Indian Ocean, no such event has been reported in recent days. No international news agencies reported the supposed disaster, nor are there real images beyond the viral video.
Is the video of the giant wave in Somalia real or AI-generated?
The video is fake and generated using artificial intelligence. It’s a hyper-realistic animation with typical AI video traits: repetitive water movement, lack of real damage, no consistent ambient sound, and an unnatural retreat of the wave that doesn’t affect physical structures. One glaring detail: the video appears to be set on a snowy hill.
Are there similar fake news?
Yes. The use of AI to create fake videos of natural disasters has become a recent trend on social media. We’ve seen similar misleading content showing massive hurricanes, like the supposed Hurricane Milton in Texas or the rooftop pool bursting in São Paulo. In all cases, the structure is similar: dramatic videos, no reliable sources, and sensationalist narratives that cause alarm and spread disinformation.
Conclusion
The video showing a giant wave invading Somalia’s coast is another case of false content generated by artificial intelligence. There is no real record of such an event, and the video shows artificial traits typical of simulations. It’s another fake news item that exploits sensationalism and lack of verification to go viral on social media.
Fake news ❌
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