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Crisis Communications
Misinformation in Disaster Recovery: A Communications Emergency
How Misinformation in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene is Hindering Relief Efforts
If there’s ever a time when the dissemination of clear and accurate information is critical, it’s in the chaotic aftermath of a natural disaster. When this information is disrupted, it can not only slow down financial recovery but, in the worst cases, put lives at risk.
I saw this during COVID-19 and the rise of QAnon, but the most recent example that comes to mind is the rise in FEMA conspiracies in the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm had a devastating impact on North Carolina, leaving over 65,000 residents struggling to recover from catastrophic flooding and debris.
Misinformation quickly spread online, with false claims suggesting the federal government planned to stop search and rescue operations to bulldoze Chimney Rock, and that victims were only receiving $750 in aid. (To be clear, $750 is the immediate assistance, not the only assistance.) In response, FEMA has had to set up a dedicated page to debunk these rumors and provide accurate information about its efforts following Hurricane Helene.
