Thu Dec 12 20:46:16 UTC 2024: ## Old Cyclone Vardah Footage Falsely Shared as Current Chennai Rains

**CHENNAI, INDIA** – A viral video depicting a car overturning in a severe storm is being falsely circulated as current footage of the recent heavy rains in Chennai. Fact-checking by India Today reveals the video is actually from 2016, showing the impact of Tropical Cyclone Vardah on the city.

The video, widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), prompted warnings about intensifying rainfall and urged caution. However, reverse image searches traced the clip back to a December 13, 2016, CNN International post, explicitly identifying it as showing the effects of Cyclone Vardah. Further corroboration comes from reports in the Times of India and Telugu news channels from that period.

While the India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rains in Chennai and surrounding districts, the viral video is unrelated to the current weather event. Cyclone Vardah, which resulted in 10 fatalities according to the National Disaster Management Authority, caused significant damage across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in 2016. The public is urged to rely on official weather updates and avoid spreading misinformation.

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