Disinformation and Conspiracy Theories Swirl Around Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Exploiting Disaster Vulnerability and Eroding Public Trust
Hurricanes Helene and Milton, while significant natural events, have become breeding grounds for conspiracy theories and disinformation campaigns, mirroring a disturbing trend observed in the aftermath of other recent disasters. These campaigns, often amplified by influential figures and spread through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), aim to undermine public trust in government institutions and sow division within American society. The spread of false narratives during times of crisis preys on the fear and desperation of affected communities, offering simplistic explanations and scapegoats that resonate with those struggling to cope with loss and uncertainty.
The disinformation playbook employed in the wake of Helene and Milton draws parallels with tactics observed in previous disasters. Following the 2023 Hawaiian wildfires, a disinformation campaign, attributed to China, falsely blamed the devastation on a government "weather weapon." Similarly, baseless claims surrounding Helene suggest the hurricane was engineered by the government, despite scientific consensus attributing it to natural atmospheric and oceanic conditions. In the aftermath of the 2023 Ohio train derailment, a Russian disinformation operation spread false narratives about the U.S. government prioritizing aid to Ukraine over Ohio and fabricated stories of scientists en route to the disaster site being killed in a plane crash. These campaigns find echoes in the current misinformation landscape surrounding Helene and Milton, including unfounded rumors about FEMA obstructing or seizing aid intended for North Carolina.
The prominence of Helene and Milton in the news cycle makes them prime targets for disinformation campaigns. These storms have captured significant media attention, creating an environment where false narratives can rapidly disseminate and gain traction. As observed in previous disasters, conspiracy theories thrive by exploiting the emotional vulnerability of those affected, offering simplistic explanations that resonate with people seeking to understand and cope with tragedy. This vulnerability creates fertile ground for the spread of misinformation, particularly when amplified by influential figures and disseminated through social media.
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has become a central target of these disinformation campaigns. False claims circulate about FEMA agents seizing land, echoing similar narratives observed in past disasters. This focus on FEMA stems from the broader aim of undermining public trust in government institutions. While some rumors may contain a kernel of truth, such as the practice of private developers acquiring disaster-affected properties at low prices, these kernels are manipulated and amplified to create a distorted narrative that demonizes FEMA and fuels distrust in government response efforts.
The disinformation campaigns also exploit existing social divisions, particularly related to immigration. False claims have circulated about FEMA diverting disaster relief funds to immigrants, echoing previous instances of misleading narratives about aid allocation. This tactic aims to exacerbate existing societal tensions and further polarize public opinion. By scapegoating vulnerable populations and suggesting preferential treatment, these campaigns undermine social cohesion and erode public trust in government institutions.
The reality of FEMA assistance programs stands in stark contrast to the misinformation circulating online. While some programs offer smaller immediate assistance payments, such as the $750 for emergency supplies, FEMA also provides substantial support for rebuilding and repairing homes, offering up to $42,500 for eligible households. Additionally, FEMA offers rental assistance for up to eighteen months, providing crucial support for displaced individuals and families. The average FEMA assistance received by individuals and households through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) is significantly higher than the misleadingly circulated $750 figure, with North Carolina and Florida households receiving average IHP assistance of $4,169 and $4,279, respectively.
The disaster recovery process is complex and involves multiple agencies and stakeholders, including federal, state, and local governments, charities, insurance companies, and banks. FEMA plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, but it is not the sole provider of assistance. The Public Assistance Program, a lesser-known but significant aspect of FEMA’s work, reimburses jurisdictions for disaster-related expenses such as search and rescue operations, first responder overtime, infrastructure repairs, and school building restoration. The long-term nature of disaster recovery is often overlooked, with federal recovery dollars continuing to be spent years after the initial event.
The challenges posed by hurricanes Helene and Milton highlight the strain on the existing disaster ecosystem. The need for emergency appropriations from Congress underscores the financial burden of disaster recovery and the importance of adequate resources to support affected communities. As disaster events become more frequent and intense, strengthening the disaster recovery framework and combating the spread of misinformation become increasingly critical. Addressing the underlying vulnerabilities exploited by these disinformation campaigns, fostering media literacy, and promoting accurate information are crucial steps in mitigating the damaging effects of misinformation and ensuring effective disaster response and recovery.