Another photo is of a crying boy, embroidered because he lost his parents, but it is an old photo that has nothing to do with the current storm and flood.
Many people saw the photo, without verifying it, and shared it on their personal pages. Those who saw the photo felt sympathy and sorrow, some even criticized the government for not organizing rescue for the people, leaving them to fend for themselves in the dangerous flood.
The authorities of Ngoc Linh commune, Vi Xuyen, Ha Giang confirmed that the photo of a family of three evacuated during the flood was taken by a youtuber. They staged this tragic scene to attract views. This profession also makes quite a bit of money, called MMO (make money online).
There are also opinions that this YouTuber couple staged the flood scene to buy people's tears, not to harm anyone, but just to make content to make money. But considering it thoroughly, taking advantage of the time when people are in trouble, the village is in mourning to stage a scene to make money is not right.
Along with taking advantage of natural disasters to create videos to attract views and make money, many social media account owners spread false information about storms and floods, intentionally causing panic in the community.
While the authorities and people in disaster-hit localities are struggling to cope with floods and landslides, news such as "hydropower plant failure" and "dyke failure" further complicate the situation. This information makes people fearful and anxious, which can lead to wrong decisions to avoid floods and greater losses.
For social media users, while the whole country is looking towards the North, sharing material with the flood victims, the best way is to post positive information. If there is bad information, it needs to be verified before posting, do not cause more trouble for the government and the people at this difficult and dangerous time.
As with the photo of a husband evacuating his wife and children during the flood, many Facebookers had to retract and correct the news, but it was too late. It is best not to share information without a reliable source.
Floods and landslides are still threatening, making life extremely difficult for people in disaster-hit areas. Many organizations and individuals have stepped in to provide material and financial support, and to clean up the streets and villages. If you cannot afford to participate in relief efforts, then share the good and beautiful things about humanity and neighborliness, which are what need to be spread at this time.
For cases of fake news, authorities need to handle them seriously, because they are also troublemakers and saboteurs.
