Is This A Video Of Hailstorm In Benin City, Nigeria?
On May 2, 2026, a TikTok user @jaspervitali posted a video showing a rainstorm of blocks in Benin City. The 59 seconds video showed hailstorm rain in different locations, with the caption:
“Live in Benin: Shocking Rain Event! A remarkable and unexpected event is currently unfolding live in Benin, with a shocking downpour hitting the city. The rain has arrived with considerable intensity, leaving residents astonished and perhaps concerned by its ferocity. This live coverage captures the immediate moments of the storm as it impacts the urban landscape. What exactly is happening in Benin right now? The city is experiencing a significant rain event that has caught many by surprise. The cover sticker text from the video indicates the live nature of this happening and expresses a strong reaction of shock and amazement, conveyed through the emojis used. This intense rainfall is a visual spectacle, showcasing the power of nature. As the storm unfolds, it’s a stark reminder of the unpredictable weather patterns that can affect communities. The footage aims to bring viewers the raw, unfiltered experience of this live occurrence in Benin, allowing them to witness the event as it happens.”
When this report was published, the video had about 3.4 million views and over 204,000 shares, comments, likes, and bookmarks.
VERIFICATION
A visual analysis from various keyframes from the video done reveals that part of this video was not in Nigeria or Benin City. However, they are combinations of different clips mostly from Asian countries.
A reverse google search of this image reveals that this image was posted on April 7, 2026, in an indian writing that translates as “You probably have never seen such a beautiful sight of rain”
A search of this reveals that the video first appeared on April 28, 2026, posted by various social media users here, here, here. Also, the plate number from the car parked in one of the video clip is not a Nigerian registered plate number, rather it is from India. A partial screenshot from the plate number “MH12” visible in the image reveals that this appears to be a partial Indian Maharashtra vehicle registration plate.
Benin City is a well-documented flood-prone area. Scientific research identifies Benin City as falling within a “very high risk of flooding zone” in Edo State; this is worsened by rapid urbanisation, neglected drainage infrastructure, and obstructed waterways.
In a report by ChannelsTV, the Federal Government had earlier placed Edo State on a high flood alert for 2026, alongside 32 other states, warning of widespread flooding risks across thousands of communities nationwide. This was contained in the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook report by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
Earlier in the year, in February 2026, a violent wind and rainstorm displaced more than 2,000 residents and destroyed at least 179 houses across three communities in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
While there are widely confirmed reports of flooding and windstorms in Benin City, Edo State, there are no confirmed reports of hailstorms in any part of the state.
CONCLUSION
The video showing a rain storm of blocks in Benin City is MISLEADING. There’s no confirmed record of hailstorm in Benin City, evidence shows that the video is from India.
