Images from 2020 misattributed to recent landslide in Kerala's Wayanad

What is the claim? 

Following a massive landslide in the Wayanad district of the Indian state of Kerala, that claimed at least 80 lives, images of rescue operations were circulated on social media, falsely claiming they depicted the recent disaster.

On X (formerly Twitter), a user shared an image of a rescue operation with the caption: “Very sad news from Kerala. Landslides due to heavy rain, more than 100 people buried under debris, 8 people died. O Lord Shiva, please protect the people there (translated from Hindi).” This post was viewed over 19,000 times at the time of writing. Archived versions of similar posts can be found here and here. 

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee also posted an image on X (archived here) showing a rescue team with two excavators (JCBs). The caption read: “Deeply distressed by the devastating landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. Our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. Praying for the safe rescue of those still trapped.” An archived version of a similar post linking this image to the Wayanad landslides can be found here.

J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited, or JCB, is a multinational manufacturer of equipment for construction, agriculture, waste handling, and demolition.

Screenshot of claims made online. (Source: X/Modified by Logically Facts)

However, we determined that both images are from 2020, depicting rescue operations following a landslide in Idukki, Kerala. They do not depict recent events.

How did we find the facts?

Image 1

We determined that the first image, showing a rescue operation with JCBs, is from a 2020 landslide in Kerala’s Idukki district. A reverse image search led us to a news report by Onmanorama, published on October 30, 2020. The report, featuring the widely circulated image credited to PTI, indicated that it was taken on August 7, 2020, following a landslide caused by heavy rainfall in Idukki.

Several mainstream media outlets shared this image in 2020, attributing it to PTI.

Comparison showing the viral image and the 2020 news report. (Source: X/Onmanorama)

Image 2

A reverse image search of the second image, which shows rescue workers in orange coats supervising operations as an excavator removes debris, led us to a report by Business Standard published on August 9, 2020. The image description read, “NDRF Personnel Carry Out A Rescue Operation For Survivors After A Landslide Following Heavy Rainfall At Pettimudi In Idukki District.”

Comparison showing the viral image and the 2020 news report. (Source: X/Business Standard)

A Livemint report from August 9, 2020, also featured this image, attributed to the PTI news agency.

2020 Idukki Landslide

In August 2020, a devastating landslide occurred in the Idukki district of Kerala. On August 7, 2020, heavy monsoon rains triggered a landslide in the Pettimudi area of Rajamala, burying a settlement of tea plantation workers. The disaster resulted in at least 49 confirmed deaths and many others missing. The rescue and relief operation faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain.

Wayanad Landslide

Wayanad recently experienced severe landslides due to heavy rainfall. The resulting destruction has been extensive, causing significant damage and disruption of services in the area. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the Kerala government has declared two days of official mourning.

The verdict

The images shared online are from the 2020 landslide in Idukki, Kerala, and not from the recent landslide in Wayanad.