Viral Claims of Stranded Fish Disproven
Fact-checkers have confirmed viral videos of stranded fish were filmed in Brazil and Canada, not Indonesia.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Natural Disasters
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Recent social media claims suggesting that fish washed ashore due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau have been debunked. Investigations confirmed the footage originated from unrelated events in other countries.
Why it matters
Misinformation following natural disasters can cause unnecessary alarm among local populations and distract from actual emergency monitoring efforts. Verifying visual evidence is essential to maintaining public trust during geological events.
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency recorded no receding seawater following the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption. Verification efforts utilized 360-degree Google Earth imagery and reverse image searches.
The players
Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency
This is the Indonesian government agency responsible for monitoring seismic and volcanic activity.
Tempo
Tempo is an Indonesian media organization that performs investigative journalism and fact-checking.
The details
Tempo determined that viral videos claiming to show the aftermath of the September 4, 2026, volcanic eruption were misattributed. The footage showed events from Middle Cove Beach in Canada, Praia Formosa in Brazil, and an undated 2022 incident in China, rather than the Sunda Strait or Lampung Province.
Timeline
2022 was the year the footage from Chinese social media originated.
2009 marked the commencement of the power plant operation in Cabedelo, Brazil.
September 4, 2026, was when Mount Anak Krakatau erupted.
The second week of September 2026 was when the viral claims first surfaced.
Seasonal Patterns
Public fears surrounding volcanic activity follow a pattern set by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, where historical disasters drive rapid sensitivity to seismic events. This leads to the frequent circulation of misidentified archival footage when major geological incidents occur.
Verify suspicious disaster footage using reverse image search tools to ensure the content matches the reported location and time. Rely exclusively on updates from official meteorological agencies for accurate information during volcanic activity.
The takeaway
Misinformation often spreads because it capitalizes on visual spectacle that confirms existing fears about natural events. Checking the source of viral media is a vital step for any reader during a period of potential crisis.
Further reading
For more information on geological monitoring and disaster response, visit Natural Disasters.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TEMPO.
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