AI-generated clip passed off as real footage of Indonesia flood

In late November 2025, heavy rains caused devastating floods and landslides across multiple Indonesian provinces. A striking aerial video, which appeared to show a sudden flood overtaking a road, has been confirmed as AI-generated and does not reflect the real conditions in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra.

The video, shared on Facebook on December 1, 2025, carried an Indonesian caption claiming to capture the moment the Silaing Twin Bridge in Padang Panjang was hit by floodwaters. The clip shows two roads over a river being overwhelmed by water, with text overlay repeating the caption.

The footage spread widely on Facebook and TikTok during the aftermath of floods and landslides that killed at least 837 people, mainly in North Sumatra and Aceh, and disrupted key transport routes.

In Padang Panjang alone, local media reported 38 fatalities and 35 missing persons as of December 4, 2025. Social media reactions included comments describing the scene as "completely destroyed" and expressions of grief from users.

Analysis of the video revealed signs of AI manipulation. Water suddenly appears on the road before the main flood wave, and a mosque is shown fully submerged while a nearby arch remains unaffected, though both structures are similar in height according to Google Maps Street View. A photo from November 29 by state-run Antara media shows both landmarks partially covered in mud but largely intact.

The same video was posted on TikTok by a user named derby_barbershop on December 1, gaining over two million views. The account owner admitted the clip was AI-generated, stating it was created in response to public curiosity about the flood's origin. The TikTok visual was reportedly based on a pre-flood Instagram photo taken by local drone operator Bayu Satria.

Seasonal monsoons are crucial for agriculture in Asia, but climate change is making rainfall patterns more erratic and dangerous. Recent storms affected Sri Lanka, Sumatra, southern Thailand, and northern Malaysia, resulting in over 1,500 deaths from flooding.

Author: Riley Thompson