Misinformation on NC’s Helene Response Triggers More Damage
TL/DR –
An article discusses the spread of disinformation following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, focusing on false claims made by Donald Trump, Mark Robinson, and other figures that disparaged the state’s response. Allegations included denials of emergency aid to Republican areas, misappropriation of FEMA funds, and false assertions about the extent of aid available to storm victims. The spread of such disinformation, the article argues, is dangerous as it fosters mistrust, hampers effective responses, and prompts confusion and hesitancy amongst those who need assistance.
Fact and fiction: North Carolina’s storm response to Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene, a mix of rain and wind, was followed by a man-made crisis of misinformation. A disinformation campaign, including false claims from Donald Trump, Mark Robinson, and online sources, challenge the existence and efforts of first responders.
Trump falsely suggested Gov. Roy Cooper, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris were withholding aid to Republican areas in North Carolina. Robinson claimed only he and private groups were responding, and that state assistance was absent.
Trump claimed Democrats stole FEMA money for non-citizens in an election scheme. This, along with false claims that federal officials provided more aid to Ukraine than Helene victims, were debunked.
Disinformation confuses and creates hesitancy in the people who need help. The state department of public safety, FEMA, and aid agencies have attempted to counter this with fact-checking websites.
‘Turn that garbage off’
Republican officials, including US Sen. Thom Tillis and NC Sen. Kevin Corbin, have refuted these false claims. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell highlighted the dangers of these lies, stating they discourage people from seeking aid.
Federal v. private response
Reality: State and federal response to the hurricane was “unprecedented”, contrary to Robinson’s claim of private companies leading recovery efforts.
Misinformation: State and federal officials have abandoned affected towns.
The rest of the article delves into more examples of disinformation and their potential harm. For instance, Trump, Elon Musk, and an online user named ‘Cindy on the Bay’ were notable sources of false claims relating to FEMA funding, financial support for victims, and the National Guard’s response.
The key to combating disinformation and misinformation is to rely on trustworthy sources and to verify information before sharing it.
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