The Freelance Special Ground Report: Cyclone 'Arnab', originating from the Bay of Bengal, has wreaked havoc in India's coastal regions, presenting a grim picture of destruction. Our on-the-ground investigation reveals that this cyclone has brought torrential rains and devastation to several districts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, completely disrupting normal life.
Devastation in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
According to regional reports, heavy downpours due to Cyclone Arnab have submerged bridges, severing road connectivity. Ground inspections indicate that nearly 10 fishermen's boats capsized and sank in Odisha alone. The administration has safely evacuated over 5,000 people to safer zones as a precautionary measure.
The Dangerous Game of AI-Generated Fake Videos on Social Media
While rescue operations are underway, sensationalized misinformation is spreading rapidly on social media. A viral video recently claimed to show an airplane spinning mid-air amidst Cyclone Arnab's fierce winds. Fact-checks proved this to be completely fake—an AI-generated deepfake video creating unnecessary panic among citizens.
Weather Shift Across North India
The cyclone's impact is not limited to coasts. IMD data shows changing weather patterns from UP and Delhi to Bihar and Jharkhand, influenced by a combination of retreating monsoon, Western Disturbances, and the cyclone system.
