AI-Generated Drone Rescue Image Debunked; Real Rescues Confirmed

A widely circulated image falsely claiming to show drones simultaneously lifting two flood victims has been identified as AI-generated and not a real rescue photo, according to a report from Chinese tech outlet IT Home. The image had garnered significant attention online.

Despite the fake image, real drone-assisted rescue operations have been conducted in Hengzhou, China, since flooding began on July 6. Liang Weilei, vice president of the Hengzhou Drone Association, confirmed that there were between 3 to 5 instances of people being directly airlifted by drones in emergency situations during the recent floods.

The floods were triggered by Typhoon Meari, leading to extreme rainfall. The rescue efforts involved over 400 drone pilots from across China, with more than 300 drones operational at the peak of the crisis. The majority of these were agricultural drones repurposed for rescue tasks, primarily for delivering supplies but also for extracting stranded individuals.

In critical situations, drones were used to airlift people from danger. One notable case involved individuals stranded on top of an oil tanker. Rescue personnel were first deployed by drone, then secured the victims for extraction. While lifting people with drones is typically prohibited by regulations, it was permitted as an emergency measure.

Liang Weilei stated that while the AI image depicted two people being lifted simultaneously, a feat not impossible in reality, the associated high risks mean such an operation has not been attempted in Hengzhou.