An AI-generated image was falsely shared as the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi ("Tino") in the central Philippines. A Facebook post on November 5, 2025 claimed a death toll of 52, but official figures report 188 dead and 135 missing. Reverse-image checks flagged the picture as "Made with Google AI" using SynthID, and an earlier November 4 post admitted the visual was AI-created for awareness. Visual anomalies and the poster’s AI-focused profile further confirm the image is synthetic.
AI-Generated Image Falsely Shared as Typhoon Kalmaegi Damage; Google SynthID Flags the Visual
An AI-generated image was falsely shared as the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi ("Tino") in the central Philippines. A Facebook post on November 5, 2025 claimed a death toll of 52, but official figures report 188 dead and 135 missing. Reverse-image checks flagged the picture as "Made with Google AI" using SynthID, and an earlier November 4 post admitted the visual was AI-created for awareness. Visual anomalies and the poster’s AI-focused profile further confirm the image is synthetic.
18:37, 07.11.2025Technology
AI-Made Image Circulates as Kalmaegi Aftermath
After Typhoon Kalmaegi (locally named "Tino") brought record rainfall and severe flooding to the central Philippines, an image purportedly showing rows of destroyed houses and flooded streets began circulating online. The image was shared on Facebook on November 5, 2025 with a bold caption: "DEATH TOLL RISES TO 52", attributed to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Verification Reveals Synthetic Origin
Reverse-image checks on Google flagged the picture as "Made with Google AI". That marker relies on SynthID technology, developed by DeepMind and released in 2023, which helps identify artwork created with certain Google AI tools.
A keyword search uncovered an earlier Facebook post from November 4 that used the same image but included an updated caption acknowledging it was an AI-generated visual created "for educational and awareness purposes only." The account that posted the image routinely publishes AI visuals and states in its bio that it creates synthetic imagery.
Why the Image Is Not Genuine
Closer inspection of the picture revealed visual anomalies typical of synthetic content — for example, people with distorted or misshapen limbs — which further confirm it was not a real news photograph. Although Kalmaegi caused catastrophic flooding that swept away cars, trucks and shipping containers, the circulating image does not match documented, verified photos of the storm’s aftermath.
Official Toll and Context
Official tallies put the storm’s death toll at 188 with another 135 people reported missing. The misleading image and its inflated or misattributed caption risked creating confusion during an ongoing emergency response.
"Always rely on official updates from PAGASA, NDRRMC and local authorities for verified information," the November 4 post advised.
What This Case Shows
This episode highlights how realistic synthetic images can spread quickly during disasters and why verification matters. Tools such as SynthID can help detect AI-origin media, but users and journalists should still cross-check dramatic visuals against trusted sources and official updates before sharing.
AFP has previously debunked other AI-generated images falsely circulated after natural disasters, underscoring an ongoing challenge for newsrooms and the public.