Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Misleading Earthquake Photo Shared Online Falsely Attributed to Myanmar
A devastating earthquake in Myanmar, which resulted in over 2,000 fatalities, caused significant damage, including buckled roads and collapsed structures in major cities. However, an image circulating online depicting a large crack in a street does not actually show destruction from this recent seismic event. The photo in question originates from Christchurch, New Zealand, and captures the aftermath of a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the city in 2011.
Social Media Misinformation
The image was disseminated on Facebook on March 28, accompanied by a Burmese-language caption stating, “Taunggyi earthquake was so scary.” This caption falsely implies the photograph depicts damage from the earthquake near Taunggyi, Myanmar.
Taunggyi is situated approximately 167 kilometers southeast of Sagaing, the region where a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred on March 28. This significant tremor caused widespread damage, affecting areas as far away as Bangkok.
Myanmar Earthquake Devastation
According to reports from the ruling junta on March 31, the death toll from the Myanmar earthquake has reached 2,056. Over 3,900 individuals sustained injuries, and 270 remain missing. Tragically, at least 19 deaths were also reported in neighboring Thailand due to the seismic activity.
Screenshot of the misleading Facebook post, captured on March 31, 2025
Despite the ongoing crisis, the junta stated they are responding to the disaster. However, reports have emerged of continued military airstrikes against opposition groups, even as the nation grapples with the earthquake’s extensive damage.
Image Origin: New Zealand Earthquake of 2011
The photo depicting the cracked road resurfaced on Facebook with false claims linking it to the Myanmar earthquake’s destruction.
Contrary to these claims, the image is verifiably from New Zealand, dating back to 2011.
Verification Through Reverse Image Search
A reverse image search conducted on Google identified the same photograph on the Alamy website, a British photo agency. The image was published on March 20, 2011.
The Alamy caption reads: “Large cracks appear in Christchurch in massive earthquake.” Further details specify that the photo was taken at the Fitzgerald Avenue bridge, which spans the Avon River in Christchurch.
Screenshot comparison of the image from the false post (left) with the Alamy photo.
Christchurch Earthquake Details
Christchurch experienced a 6.3 magnitude earthquake on February 23, 2011. This powerful seismic event resulted in 185 deaths and inflicted billions of dollars in damage across the region.
The location depicted in the misleading photo can be viewed on Google Maps Street View imagery dating back to 2007:
Screenshot comparison of the image from Alamy (left) and Google Street View, highlighting similarities.