AI Deepfake Videos Amplify Misinformation Amid Hurricane Melissa Crisis

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica and the Caribbean in late October 2025, caused significant devastation including at least seven deaths and estimated economic losses of $22 billion. Amid the physical destruction, social media platforms were flooded with AI-generated fake videos depicting exaggerated or entirely fabricated scenes such as sharks swimming in flooded neighborhoods, aerial views from airplanes, and destroyed infrastructure. Jamaican authorities and various experts warned about these misleading AI deepfakes, which complicated public understanding and response to the actual disaster. The surge in AI-generated misinformation has raised calls for stronger enforcement of AI watermarking to prevent the spread of such deceptive content. Meteorologists and officials emphasized the challenges in distinguishing real footage from AI fabrications, highlighting the evolving risks of misinformation in crisis situations. Overall, the incident underscores the intersection of natural disasters and digital misinformation in the modern age.