Hurricane Helene triggers conspiracy theories about the US government

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck the Southeastern United States, a wave of false rumors has emerged on social media, complicating ongoing disaster recovery efforts. Local and national officials are grappling with a barrage of conspiracy theories, including outlandish claims that the storm was engineered for corporate gain and that federal disaster funds are being misappropriated.

Among the more extreme rumors is the assertion that Helene was artificially created to facilitate lithium mining in the region. Other claims suggest that the Biden administration is misusing federal disaster relief funds to aid undocumented migrants or that officials are neglecting to recover victims’ bodies in the cleanup process. Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene fueled the fire with her recent statement on X, suggesting that weather manipulation is possible and dismissing contrary views as misleading.

The disinformation is particularly concerning as it coincides with one of the deadliest hurricane seasons in recent history, with Helene having claimed over 200 lives across multiple states. With the presidential election just over a month away, officials from both parties are warning that these rumors are not only harmful but may also hinder vital rescue and recovery operations.

North Carolina Senator Kevin Corbin expressed frustration over the impact of these false claims, noting that he has received numerous inquiries from constituents questioning the government’s response to the crisis. “98% chance it’s not true,” he stated, emphasizing that distractions like these are exhausting during a critical time.

In response to the spreading disinformation, White House officials have criticized certain Republican leaders and conservative media outlets for perpetuating divisive narratives that undermine disaster relief efforts. A memo from the White House highlighted a claim made by Donald Trump at a rally, alleging misuse of federal funds for undocumented migrants. The memo categorically refuted this assertion, stating, “No disaster relief funding at all was used to support migrants housing and services.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is actively working to combat these falsehoods, having established a rumor response page on its website. FEMA has allocated millions of dollars for immediate recovery efforts and is making strides to inform the public about its processes. Katie Keaotamai, a FEMA employee, has taken to TikTok to clarify the agency’s disaster response operations, garnering significant attention and support.

Kate Starbird, co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public, noted that the manipulation of public perception can severely impact both immediate recovery and future preparedness strategies.