AI-Generated Image of a Drone Delivering Relief to Stranded People in Andhra Pradesh Floods
The Claim
Here’s how technology can come in handy during crisis. Now drones delivering relief materials to those stranded in floods #VijayawadaFloods.
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Emerging story
Amid the recent floods in Andhra Pradesh, an image allegedly showing drones delivering aid to stranded people was shared online.
An X user shared the image along with the caption, “Here’s how technology can come in handy during crisis. Now drones delivering relief materials to those stranded in floods #VijayawadaFloods.”
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also presented the image during a press conference via laptop.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral image and found it to be fake.
Misbar’s investigation found the viral image to be AI-generated.
AI-Generated Image of a Drone Delivering Relief to People Amid Andhra Pradesh Floods
Contrary to the claim, the image was created using artificial intelligence software.
Misbar’s investigative team conducted a thorough analysis of the image and discovered a watermark that read 'Imagined with AI,' indicating it was generated by artificial intelligence.
The watermark is linked to Meta AI, a free AI assistant developed by the Meta company. Available on Meta's social media platforms, it is capable of answering questions and creating high-quality images and animations.
Imagine with Meta AI is an AI image generator that transforms descriptive text prompts into artwork.
The model behind Imagine AI has stirred controversy, as it was trained on 1.1 billion images from Facebook and Instagram. Meta has clarified that only public-facing images were used for training, excluding content from private conversations. Despite privacy concerns, the extensive use of real-life images enables Imagine AI to produce highly realistic and lifelike art.
Recent Floods in Andhra Pradesh
According to ReliefWeb, since August 31, 2024, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been grappling with severe flooding triggered by heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The rapid rise in river levels and water releases from dams have worsened the situation, causing widespread damage and major disruptions across several districts.
Reports indicate that the heavy rainfall has devastated the state, damaging property and claiming 45 lives in rain-related incidents. While waterlogging has decreased, the state continues to battle the ongoing challenges posed by the severe flooding.
Drones Used in Andhra Pradesh Flood Relief Operations
The New Indian Express reported that drones have played a vital role in relief efforts following the flash floods that have submerged half of Vijayawada city. In addition to transporting medicines and other essentials, these drones have acted as surveillance tools and have been used to spray insecticides to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases in affected areas over the past week.
Food, drinking water, and medicines have been distributed to flood victims in regions inaccessible by boats and helicopters. After a successful pilot operation on the first day, a total of 176 drones were deployed for flood relief in subsequent days.
According to the Agriculture Minister, 115 drones were utilized to deliver food, drinking water, and medicines to 123,000 flood victims, while 50 drones aided in rescue and relief operations. Besides, 11 drones were dedicated to sanitation efforts.
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