Summary
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has faced a surge of misinformation regarding its response to Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in September 2024, causing widespread devastation across the Southeast, particularly in North Carolina. This misinformation has included claims about FEMA’s funding, alleged property seizures, and conspiracy theories suggesting the government can control the weather, all of which have complicated recovery efforts and fostered distrust among affected communities.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which resulted in significant casualties and destruction, misinformation has proliferated on social media, often amplified by political figures and influencers. Key false claims include assertions that FEMA is diverting disaster relief funds to noncitizens, that the agency is only providing minimal aid, and that it is confiscating properties for resource extraction. These narratives have led to public confusion and fear, hampering the ability of disaster response teams to assist those in need effectively. To combat this, FEMA has established a “Rumor Response” page to clarify its services and ensure that accurate information reaches the public. Officials, including North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, have called for an end to the spread of falsehoods, emphasizing that such disinformation can deter individuals from seeking necessary assistance and even pose safety risks to recovery workers.
Misinformation Impacting Recovery Efforts
The spread of misinformation has had tangible effects on recovery efforts in North Carolina. Reports of threats against FEMA workers have emerged, with some individuals feeling compelled to arm themselves in response to the false narratives circulating online. This climate of fear has resulted in operational changes for FEMA, including temporary suspensions of door-to-door assistance until safety could be assured. The agency has reiterated its commitment to helping affected communities, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and the need for the public to rely on verified sources for information.
Political Dimensions
The political context surrounding Hurricane Helene has further complicated the situation. The approaching 2024 presidential election has seen various political figures leverage the disaster and its aftermath to advance their narratives. Former President Donald Trump and others have used the storm to criticize the Biden administration’s response, framing it as inadequate and biased against Republican-leaning areas. This politicization of disaster response has prompted bipartisan calls from local officials for a focus on recovery rather than political posturing, highlighting the need for unity in addressing the challenges posed by the hurricane.
FEMA resumes door-to-door visits in North Carolina following threats
Oct. 15 / Pennlive / Updates on FEMA's resumption of door-to-door assistance in North Carolina, following threats against workers. It highlights the ongoing challenges posed by misinformation while reaffirming the agency's commitment to recovery. “ By Makjiya Seminera and Sarah Brumfield, The Associated Press ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Federal disaster personnel have resumed door-to-door visits as part of...
92 people still missing in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, governor says
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Small Business Administration Disaster Fund Has Run Out Of Money After Hurricanes Milton And Helene
Oct. 15 / Forbes / Presents a detailed account of the misinformation spread by prominent figures, particularly Trump. It highlights the absurdity of some claims, effectively reinforcing the need for accurate information during crises. “ Topline The Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program has depleted its funds following two back-to-back hurricanes, the administration announced...
92 people remain missing in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene
Oct. 15 / New York Daily News / Reports on the ongoing search for missing persons post-Hurricane Helene, emphasizing the human toll of the disaster. It serves as a poignant reminder of the storm's impact, adding depth to the overall narrative. “ Almost three weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall, 92 people are still unaccounted for in North Carolina, officials said Tuesday. Gov. Roy Cooper said...
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The lies making hurricanes deadlier
Oct. 9 / Pennlive / Explores the spread of conspiracy theories related to Hurricane Helene, specifically addressing false claims about weather control. It stresses the importance of debunking such narratives for public safety. “ Disinformation isn’t new, from the Great Moon Hoax of 1835 to the Barack Obama birther conspiracy to COVID-19 and t he Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Now,...
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Oct. 8 / Abc 15 / Covers the misinformation surrounding FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene, emphasizing bipartisan frustration. It provides a comprehensive overview of the various false claims and their detrimental effects. “ It happened after winter storms in Texas, wildfires in Maui, and now after Hurricane Helene hit regions in the Southeast. False information, wild rumors, and...
How debunking disinformation 'junk' became a crucial disaster relief response
Oct. 8 / Abc 15 / Explores the critical role of debunking misinformation in disaster relief. Provides insights into the collaborative efforts of FEMA and state officials, emphasizing the urgent need for accurate communication post-Hurricane Helene. “ It happened after winter storms in Texas, wildfires in Maui, and now after Hurricane Helene hit regions in the Southeast. False information, wild rumors, and...
Public officials urge halt to the spread of rampant disinformation around Hurricane Helene
Oct. 7 / Nbc News / Highlights the urgent calls from officials across the political spectrum to combat misinformation regarding Hurricane Helene, showcasing the detrimental effects of false narratives on recovery efforts. “ Republican and Democratic politicians and officials have in recent days resorted to pleading with people to stop spreading false information related to...
Public officials urge halt to the spread of rampant disinformation around Hurricane Helene
Oct. 7 / Nbc News / Reports on public officials' urgent calls to halt misinformation, illustrating the bipartisan frustration with false narratives. This underscores the detrimental effects of disinformation on recovery efforts and public safety. “ Republican and Democratic politicians and officials have in recent days resorted to pleading with people to stop spreading false information related to...
Oct. 10 / Fox News / Reports on Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's conspiracy theories about weather control, showcasing the absurdity of such claims and the necessity for credible voices to counteract harmful misinformation. “ Robert Carruthers, who is a major general in the Florida National Guard, joined 'America's Newsroom' to discuss his assessment of the path of destruction...
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Oct. 10 / Raw Story / Presents a counter-narrative to misinformation surrounding FEMA, highlighting improvements in disaster relief processes. Offers a fact-based rebuttal to political claims, reinforcing the importance of accurate information. “ As Donald Trump and his allies, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), are adamant about pushing false claims about the federal response to Hurricane...
'Incredible': Internet amazed as GOP lawmaker forced to debunk MTG's weather control fibs
Oct. 8 / Raw Story / Details the significant misinformation surrounding FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene, providing a thorough debunking of false claims while emphasizing the need for accurate information during crises. “ Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) went so far afield with her latest conspiracy theories that a fellow Republican congressman was forced to put out a...
Oct. 8 / Independent / Examines the political dynamics surrounding disaster response, particularly Trump's criticisms of the Biden administration. It provides a critical look at how political narratives can shape public perception and recovery efforts. “ Social media users have trolled JD Vance for claiming he “never” praises Barack Obama — despite a glowing op-ed about the former president seven years ago....
Do we really have to say it? The government can’t control the weather
Oct. 9 / Dailykos / Analyzes the absurdity of conspiracy theories surrounding weather control, providing a clear rebuttal to misinformation. It emphasizes the importance of debunking false claims in the context of disaster recovery. “ So it’s come to this. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden was forced to address the bonkers right-wing conspiracy that the government is controlling the...