Indian media shares video from Australia as 'crocodiles in flooded Vadodara'

What is the claim?

A video featuring crocodiles swimming in water, with one carrying an animal carcass, has circulated widely on news outlets and social media. The claim shared with the footage is that it is from Vadodara, Gujarat, captured during recent floods in the Indian state. 

The video or screenshots from it were reported by The Indian Express, the Free Press Journal, NDTV India, and News 18 Tamil. Additionally, Navbharat Times and Zee Business also featured the video, asserting it showed a scene in Vadodara. Social media archives with these claims can be found here and here.

Screenshots of news reports claiming that the video showed a scene in Gujarat's Vadodara. (Source: Screenshots/Modified by Logically Facts)

However, upon investigation, it was found that this video is not from India.

What is the truth?

None of the news reports provided verification for the video's location. The cited sources were photos and videos from X (formerly Twitter), some of which have since been deleted.

A reverse image search on Google revealed that the video (archived here) was initially posted on Instagram by the accounts 'croc.qld' and 'Donny Imberlong' on August 22, 2024. The caption credits the video to Donny Imberlong, a photographer and videographer based in Halls Creek, Australia. The caption reads, "Slowing down this incredible moment captured by Donny Imberlong, we witness the raw power and instinct of saltwater crocodiles during a feeding event."

Imberlong’s Instagram account (archived here) shows that he shared the video on August 7, 2024, with the caption, "Kids fighting over their food. Usually, the biggest croc has his share first." Hashtags indicated the footage was shot in Kimberley, Australia.

Imberlong also posted similar videos on August 5 and 6, 2024, featuring crocodiles with a dead animal carcass (archived here and here). In responses to various users, Imberlong confirmed the videos were taken in Kimberley, Western Australia.

Videos by Imberlong on Instagram. (Source:@donnydrysdale/Instagram)

Logically Facts contacted Imberlong, who confirmed that the video was recorded in Kununurra, Kimberley, Western Australia, in August. 

The footage predates the Gujarat floods, which began towards the end of August. Reports indicate that flooding in Gujarat occurred between August 20 and August 29, 2024.

Vadodara floods

Vadodara experienced severe flooding and waterlogging following heavy rainfall at the end of August 2024. Reports state that at least 49 people died in rain-related incidents, and over 37,000 individuals were rescued by agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force and the Indian Army. 

The floods caused significant damage to roads and infrastructure. While crocodiles were reported to be seen in the city and even on rooftops, this particular video does not depict Vadodara.

The verdict

The claim shared with the viral video, that it depicts flooding in Vadodara, is false. The footage originates from Kununurra, Australia, not the Indian state of Gujarat.