A video claiming to depict a mass funeral in Afghanistan following recent earthquakes has been identified as AI-generated. The footage surfaced online after a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31, causing significant devastation in Kunar province, with at least 2,200 fatalities reported as of September 4.
The earthquake resulted in more than 2,500 injuries, and access to affected areas has been hampered by heavy rains and landslides. Relief agencies, including the United Nations, are warning of shortages in food, medical supplies, and shelter, with the World Health Organization requesting $4 million in funding for assistance.
Fact-checking organization Soch Fact Check noted irregularities in the viral video, such as merged individuals and hovering coffins, indicating it has been artificially created. The video first circulated on August 18, 2025, in relation to floods in Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and included a label indicating it as AI-generated content.
Despite the claim of a mass funeral, no credible reports or visuals confirm such an event related to the earthquake have occurred.
- Why it matters: The spread of misinformation through AI-generated content can mislead the public and complicate relief efforts in crisis situations.
- Impacted organizations may need to enhance fact-checking measures to prevent misinformation from affecting public perception and action.
- The latest: As of September 5, two significant aftershocks struck eastern Afghanistan, raising concerns of further casualties and damage.
Source: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/viral-video-of-mass-funeral-in-afghanistan-is-ai-generated/
Source: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/viral-video-of-mass-funeral-in-afghanistan-is-ai-generated/