In the aftermath of hurricanes Milton and Helene in Florida and North Carolina, countless organizations are working around the clock to provide short and long-term disaster relief for citizens. However, there has been a lot of speculation about whether this aid is sufficient, being distributed fairly, or even happening at all. The conspiracy theories that have arisen are false, and they are preventing people from getting the relief they need.
After hurricanes and other disasters, there is a government organization called the Federal Emergency Management Agency, often referred to as FEMA, that is dedicated to preparing for natural disasters and assisting during the aftermath. FEMA has played a major role in the recovery processes in Florida and North Carolina. It is reported that the Biden Administration gave FEMA $1.8 billion for disaster relief efforts. Floridians and North Carolinians alike have been expressing their gratitude towards FEMA and other organizations’ efforts. One Floridian, Isabella Ruiz Pulido, stated that “Everyone has been very grateful and appreciative of all of the people that are just helping us out…They basically treat us like family.”
Despite all of this, many conspiracy theories and rumors have arisen about the disaster aid that has been given. Some of these conspiracies include relief funding going to illegal immigrants instead of struggling families, FEMA taking people’s land upon their arrival to give aid, the government not caring enough about the destruction in Florida and North Carolina, and FEMA not having enough money to fulfill needs. Many of these rumors have been furthered by Republican politicians, with even former President Trump supporting conspiracies, stating that the Biden Administration stole $1 billion “from FEMA to use it for illegal migrants. … And FEMA is now busted. They don’t have any money.” Since then, conspiracies have also blown up on social media.
FEMA posted on its website addressing these rumors, saying, “Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we have seen many rumors that have the potential to seriously hamper storm response efforts or prevent people from getting assistance quickly.” And FEMA was right. According to many mainstream news sources, such as CNN and AP News, in North Carolina, FEMA had to change its hurricane-relief plans after receiving threats that a militia could target them upon their arrival. One man was arrested in connection to these threats.
Many governors and authority figures have since debunked most of these conspiracies and rumors, with even President Biden responding to the misinformation being spread by the former president and social media, saying ”It’s undermining confidence in the incredible rescue and recovery work. There is simply no place for this to happen.” And there isn’t. People need help, and they need help now. The delays in providing relief due to these conspiracies could harm communities that urgently require assistance.
Disaster relief isn’t just cleaning up roads and daring rescues from flooded houses; it is a long-term process to heal communities. But short-term relief is also indispensable after disasters like Milton and Helene. The money and supplies given by organizations like FEMA are imperative to reconstruction and rehabilitation processes in Florida and North Carolina. Conspiracies and rumors about disaster relief may have a detrimental effect on both states’ ability to receive the help they need.
FEMA’s priority is to help people, and that becomes much more difficult when people don’t trust them. Misinformation about this disaster relief has taken over social media and has magnified these rumors immensely. It has made the situations in Florida and North Carolina much worse for everybody involved, especially those in need of immediate assistance. It is important to be able to differentiate between what is trustworthy information and to avoid misinformation not just regarding disaster relief, but news in general. Stay safe!
