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.

Commentary: The Role of AI-Generated Content in Crisis Disinformation

The recent flood tragedy in Indonesia has highlighted not only the devastating effects of extreme weather but also the dangers posed by AI-generated content in spreading misinformation. In the wake of the deadly floods in November 2025, a widely circulated video, initially believed to capture the destructive impact on Padang Panjang, was revealed to be artificially created. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how easily digital tools can manipulate reality and exacerbate an already chaotic situation.

The viral AI-generated video, which appeared to show a bridge being overwhelmed by floodwaters, quickly gained traction on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. With the tragic loss of over 800 lives, including 38 in Padang Panjang alone, the footage sparked an outpouring of grief and concern. However, closer examination revealed inconsistencies, such as the sudden appearance of water on roads and the unrealistic portrayal of local landmarks. These discrepancies were later acknowledged by the creator of the TikTok post, who admitted to generating the video using AI in response to public curiosity about the flood.

While the use of AI for content creation is not inherently harmful, in times of crisis, it becomes a powerful tool for spreading confusion. The flood of misinformation can distract from real-world efforts to provide aid and recovery. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, the need for responsible media practices, especially in the digital space, becomes all the more urgent. In this case, the incident highlights the importance of verifying content before sharing, especially when it pertains to events with significant humanitarian impact.

Sources:

• AI clip passed off as genuine footage of Indonesia flood