Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts Disrupted by Misinformation Surge
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact across the Southeastern United States, a new storm has erupted on social media—false rumors about disaster fund misuse and wild claims that officials control the weather. Local and national government officials say these conspiracy theories are both misleading and disruptive to ongoing recovery efforts.
Among the more outlandish rumors is a claim that Helene was engineered to enable corporations to mine lithium deposits in the region. Other baseless accusations suggest that President Joe Biden’s administration is using federal disaster relief funds to assist migrants in the country illegally or that officials are abandoning bodies during cleanup operations.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has faced criticism for spreading misinformation about the disaster. At a recent rally, Trump claimed that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had diverted emergency funds intended for storm victims to house migrants—an assertion swiftly denied by the White House.
Marjorie Taylor Greene Fuels Weather Control Conspiracies
Further fueling conspiracy theories, Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Yes, they can control the weather. It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.” Greene’s remarks have been widely criticized but continue to resonate with some supporters.
These claims come at a critical time, as recovery efforts from one of the deadliest U.S. hurricanes in recent history are underway. With just over a month until the presidential election between Trump and Harris, the spread of misinformation poses significant challenges.
Misinformation Causing Distractions Across the Political Spectrum
Both Republicans and Democrats have expressed frustration over the continued spread of falsehoods. North Carolina Senator Kevin Corbin, a Republican whose state was one of the hardest hit by Helene, emphasized how distracting and damaging the rumors have been.
“I just talked to one senator who had 15 calls today asking why we don’t stop [the rumors] … fill in the blank,” Corbin wrote on Facebook. “There’s a 98% chance it’s not true, and if it is a problem, someone is already on it.”
The White House also accused some Republican leaders and conservative media outlets of intentionally spreading disinformation. In a Friday memo, officials warned that such actions could disrupt disaster relief efforts.
“Disinformation of this kind can discourage people from seeking critical assistance when they need it most,” the memo stated. “It is essential that leaders, regardless of political affiliation, stop spreading this poison.”
Trump Campaign Stands Firm Despite FEMA’s Efforts
The Trump campaign doubled down on the accusation that FEMA funds were misused to house migrants, despite FEMA and the White House confirming that no disaster relief funds were allocated for such purposes. To combat the false claims, FEMA has launched a rumor control page on its website to dispel myths related to Hurricane Helene and other disasters.
Helene, which made landfall in Florida over a week ago, has claimed over 200 lives and left six states in the U.S. Southeast grappling with widespread devastation. As officials work tirelessly to provide aid and rebuild, they are also battling a wave of misinformation.
Combating Disinformation with Facts
Some FEMA officials have turned to social media to provide accurate information about disaster response efforts. Katie Keaotamai, a FEMA employee, posted several TikTok videos explaining FEMA’s recovery process, which have garnered thousands of views.
Kate Starbird, co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington, noted that disasters are often politicized, with social media amplifying sensational claims. “Spreading conspiracy theories and disinformation will make it harder to respond and recover now—and to make informed decisions about how to prepare for and mitigate the next one,” Starbird explained.
As recovery efforts continue, officials are urging Americans to be discerning about the information they consume, emphasizing the importance of relying on verified sources to avoid being misled by sensational but false narratives circulating online.