Misleading or false information has been spreading online concerning the earthquake and tsunami that hit central Japan on Monday.

Immediately after the quake, videos purportedly showing the damage, as well as rescue requests from people claiming to be trapped under collapsed buildings, were posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

NHK has verified that some of the posts contain fake information. Some posts calling for help included non-existent addresses or unrelated videos. Some of the footage showed the tsunami that hit Japan after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. One such post has been viewed more than one million times.

Some posts include unfounded information on the causes of the quake and the fire in Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture, as well as about the Shika nuclear power plant in Ishikawa Prefecture. One account calls for donations via electronic money, with the author claiming to have been affected by the disaster.

Fake news tends to spread at the time of a disaster when many people seek information. It could cause confusion at disaster-hit areas and hamper rescue efforts. Social media users should verify the authenticity of any information or media before reposting it.