A Storm of Disinformation Impacts FEMA and Victims of Hurricane Milton And Helene

As Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina last month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and those impacted by the natural disaster found themselves battling not only the physical aftermath of the storm but also a flood of narrative attacks created by misinformation and disinformation that threatened to undermine disaster response efforts and endangered the lives of flood victims. We see the same types of narrative attacks impacting FEMA and those in the path of Hurricane Milton as it threatens Florida again. 

In the wake of both hurricanes, false claims and misleading narratives about FEMA’s actions and intentions spread rapidly across social media, messaging apps, and other platforms. Claims ranged from accusations that the agency was diverting funds meant for hurricane relief to conspiracy theories alleging that FEMA was deliberately flooding certain areas to displace residents. The online misinformation and disinformation sowed confusion and eroded public trust at a critical moment when they needed the most help.

LEARN MORE: What Is Narrative Intelligence?

Blackbird.AI’s Narrative Intelligence Platform, called Constellation, processes vast amounts of multilingual, multiplatform, and multimodal data to detect, aggregate, and rank harmful narratives. Over the last few weeks, we analyzed millions of digital engagements related to FEMA and hurricanes from social media posts, news sites, chat applications, and the dark web to automatically surface these harmful narratives and their context. The ranking of the narrative in the narrative feed is generated based on signals related to propagation and impact, such as bot activity, anomalous propagation patterns, cohort participation, disinformation content, toxicity levels, negative sentiment, and multimodal brand risk (images, videos, audio) to gauge the potential impact on public perception. Blackbird.AI’s Compass Context product employs an autonomous AI agent that conducts real-time internet searches filtered through thousands of reputable sources. It provides a synthesized research background on the claims, assessing their integrity and offering critical context. This combined approach enables our RAV3N analysts to swiftly identify and understand high-risk narratives with informed strategies that we share in this blog below.

Here are the top Harmful Narratives targeting FEMA and those impacted by Hurricane Milton and Helene that were discovered through the Blackbird.AI Narrative Intelligence Platform: 

Narrative #1: Kamala Harris diverted $1 billion from FEMA’s hurricane relief fund to house undocumented immigrants, providing only $750 in federal relief to Hurricane Helene victims.

Compass Context

The claim that Vice President Kamala Harris diverted $1 billion from FEMA’s hurricane relief fund to house undocumented immigrants is false. FEMA’s disaster relief funds and the funds used for migrant assistance are separate, and no money from the Disaster Relief Fund was diverted for immigration purposes. Multiple sources, including Forbes and Politifact have confirmed this separation of funds. The $1 billion figure likely refers to the combined budgets for FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program over fiscal years 2023 and 2024, funded separately from disaster relief. Additionally, the claim that only $750 in federal relief was provided to Hurricane Helene victims is misleading. The $750 is part of FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance for immediate needs, but victims can apply for additional aid for housing and repairs, as clarified by Newsweek. Therefore, the claims about the diversion of funds and the limited relief amount are inaccurate and misleading.

LEARN MORE: Use Case: Why Government Leaders and Policymakers Need Narrative Risk Intelligence

Narrative #2: FEMA’s main goals under Kamala Harris are to protect, fund, and grant citizenship to illegal aliens to create generational Democrat voters.

Compass Context

The claim that FEMA’s main goals under Kamala Harris are to protect, fund, and grant citizenship to illegal aliens to create generational Democrat voters is misleading and false. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is primarily responsible for responding to natural disasters and emergencies, and its funding is allocated for these purposes. Recent claims that FEMA funds were diverted to support illegal immigrants have been debunked by multiple sources, including FEMA itself and the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s disaster relief funds are separate from other programs, such as the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which supports communities dealing with migrant influxes. This program is funded by Customs and Border Protection and managed by FEMA, but it is distinct from disaster relief funds USA Today, BBC, NBC News. Furthermore, the notion that FEMA grants citizenship is unfounded, as immigration and citizenship processes are managed by agencies like the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), not FEMA. The spread of misinformation regarding FEMA’s role and funding has been linked to political rhetoric, particularly during election campaigns, and has been refuted by fact-checking organizations and government statements.

Narrative #3: FEMA is obstructing SpaceX from delivering Starlink terminals and supplies to disaster areas in North Carolina.

Compass Context

The claim that FEMA is obstructing SpaceX from delivering Starlink terminals and supplies to disaster areas in North Carolina is false. This misinformation originated from social media posts and statements by Elon Musk, who alleged that FEMA was blocking relief efforts. However, FEMA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have denied these claims, stating that they are not preventing flights or deliveries of Starlink equipment. FEMA has been actively using Starlink technology to aid in disaster response, and the FAA has only implemented temporary flight restrictions to ensure airspace safety during the hurricane response, which does not prevent disaster relief operations. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also clarified that no airspace shutdowns affected legitimate rescue and recovery flights, and any logistical issues were resolved through coordination with local authorities. Multiple sources, including PolitiFact, Local Memphis, and The Guardian have supported these clarifications. Therefore, the narrative that FEMA obstructs aid is unfounded and debunked by official statements and verified reports.

Narrative #4: The FCC illegally revoked a Starlink award, which would have aided victims of Hurricane Helene.

Compass Context

The claim that the FCC illegally revoked a Starlink award, which would have aided victims of Hurricane Helene, is based on a series of events involving the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and SpaceX’s Starlink. In 2020, the FCC awarded SpaceX $885.5 million through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) to expand broadband in rural areas. However, in 2022, the FCC rescinded this award, citing concerns that Starlink would not meet the program’s requirements for speed and reliability. This decision was reaffirmed in December 2023. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has publicly criticized the FCC’s decision, claiming it was politically motivated and hindered Starlink’s ability to assist in disaster-stricken areas like those affected by Hurricane Helene. Musk argued that the revocation of funds could have cost lives by limiting Starlink’s deployment in North Carolina, which was severely impacted by the hurricane. However, the FCC maintains that its decision was based on compliance with program requirements and not political bias. The FCC’s decision affected multiple companies, not just Starlink, and was part of a broader review to ensure taxpayer funds were used effectively. While some FCC commissioners have criticized the decision as politically motivated, the FCC has denied these allegations, emphasizing its commitment to lawful and fair allocation of funds House Oversight, Fox Business, Washington Examiner.

LEARN MORE: How to Combat Misinformation and Disinformation: Lessons from a Social Media Trust and Safety Experts

Narrative #5: FEMA prioritizes LGBTQ and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies over addressing pressing issues faced by Americans in need.

Compass Context

The claim that FEMA is prioritizing LGBTQ and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies over addressing pressing issues faced by Americans in need is a complex one. FEMA has integrated equity as a foundational element of its strategic plan as part of a broader federal initiative under the Biden administration to address systemic barriers faced by underserved communities, including LGBTQ populations. This initiative aims to ensure that all communities, especially historically marginalized, receive equitable support during disasters FEMA. However, FEMA must still pay attention to its primary disaster response and recovery mission. FEMA’s strategic goals include instilling equity, leading climate resilience, and maintaining readiness, which is intended to enhance the agency’s overall effectiveness in serving diverse communities Fox News. Criticism has arisen, particularly from conservative circles, suggesting that these equity-focused policies detract from FEMA’s ability to respond to disasters effectively. However, FEMA officials have refuted these claims, emphasizing that their mission remains to provide timely and effective disaster relief to all individuals, regardless of background Daily Dot. The focus on equity is not about prioritizing one group over another but ensuring that all communities, especially those with pre-existing vulnerabilities, are adequately supported in disaster scenarios. Therefore, while FEMA’s equity initiatives are a significant part of its strategy, they are not at the expense of its core disaster management responsibilities.

Narrative #6: There are concerns about the disappearance of FEMA funds, suggesting potential mismanagement or misallocation.

Compass Context

The claim about the disappearance of FEMA funds and potential mismanagement or misallocation is a topic of concern, particularly in light of recent events. Reports have surfaced accusing FEMA of mismanaging funds, with allegations that the agency has been sitting on approximately $8.3 billion in unspent resources from past crises, as revealed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General Business Times. Critics argue that these funds, tied up in long-term appropriations and unused grants, could be reallocated to address current disaster relief efforts. Additionally, there have been accusations of FEMA allocating over $1 billion toward non-disaster-related initiatives, such as sheltering illegal migrants, which has sparked criticism from some lawmakers. However, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and the White House have dismissed these claims, stating that no disaster relief funding was used for migrant housing and services and emphasizing that FEMA’s primary focus remains on disaster relief Business Times. Furthermore, President Joe Biden has criticized former President Donald Trump for allegedly mishandling relief funds during his presidency, although the current administration has assured that no diversion of funds has occurred Devdiscourse. These conflicting narratives highlight the complexity and political nature of the issue, with ongoing debates over FEMA’s funding practices and disaster response policies.

Narrative #7: Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas falsely claimed FEMA is out of disaster relief funds despite having at least $8.3 billion in unused funds.

Compass Context

The claim that Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas falsely stated FEMA is out of disaster relief funds despite having at least $8.3 billion in unused funds requires context checking. Secretary Mayorkas did express concerns about FEMA’s funding, stating that the agency does not have enough funds to last through the hurricane season, particularly after the impact of Hurricane Helene AP News. However, this statement reflects the immediate needs and potential future shortfalls rather than the current balance of funds. FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is separate from other funding streams, such as those for migrant assistance, and is primarily used for disaster response and recovery KHOU. The DRF had a balance of approximately $3.4 billion as of August 31, 2024, and Congress recently replenished it with $20 billion as part of a short-term spending bill NPR. The claim of $8.3 billion in unused funds may refer to a broader context of available funds. Still, the operational reality and projections of future needs can create a perception of insufficiency. Therefore, while funds are available, the concern is about the adequacy of these funds to meet ongoing and future disaster needs, not necessarily a false claim about the current balance.

LEARN MORE: How to Combat Misinformation and Disinformation: Lessons from a Social Media Trust and Safety Experts

Narrative #8: Biden allocated substantial financial support to Ukraine and undocumented immigrants while neglecting hurricane victims.

Compass Context

The claim that President Biden allocated substantial financial support to Ukraine and undocumented immigrants while neglecting hurricane victims is misleading. The Biden administration has provided significant financial aid to Ukraine as part of ongoing support in response to the conflict with Russia. However, the claim that hurricane victims have been neglected is inaccurate. In response to Hurricane Helene, the Biden administration has mobilized a comprehensive federal response, including more than $137 million in federal assistance to affected areas. It has deployed thousands of federal personnel to support recovery efforts. FEMA has provided disaster relief, including shipping millions of meals and liters of water and deploying generators and tarps to the affected regions.

Additionally, the administration has been working to ensure communities have access to federal resources for recovery and rebuilding FEMA, White House. Furthermore, claims that FEMA funds were diverted to support undocumented immigrants have been debunked. FEMA and the White House have clarified that disaster relief funds are separate from other programs and are legally required to be used for their intended purpose USA Today.

Narrative #9: The Biden administration prioritized funding to Lebanon during hurricane season, raising concerns about domestic priorities.

Compass Context

The claim that the Biden administration prioritized funding to Lebanon during hurricane season, raising concerns about domestic priorities, has been a topic of debate. The controversy arose when Vice President Kamala Harris announced $157 million in aid to Lebanon amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis there while the U.S. was dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which severely impacted North Carolina and other states. Critics, including some Republican politicians, argued that this foreign aid was prioritized over domestic disaster relief, especially as FEMA was reportedly running low on funds to handle the hurricane season Fox News. However, the Biden administration has stated that the aid to Lebanon is independent of domestic disaster relief efforts, as the funds are sourced from different allocations. FEMA has received $20 billion in supplemental funding to address the hurricane’s impact, and the administration has deployed federal personnel to assist in recovery efforts The Guardian. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged FEMA’s funding challenges but emphasized that the agency meets immediate needs with available resources. The administration has also suggested that Congress must reconvene to approve additional disaster relief funding The Guardian. The situation highlights the complexity of balancing international aid with domestic needs, and the criticism is more about political perspectives than a factual misallocation of resources.

LEARN MORE: TAG Infosphere Report: How Misinformation and Disinformation Represent a New Threat Vector

Narrative #10: Governor Roy Cooper delayed deploying 1,000 troops approved for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Compass Context

The claim that Governor Roy Cooper delayed deploying 1,000 troops approved for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts appears to be misleading. According to multiple sources, including CBS News and WCNC, President Biden ordered the deployment of additional troops to North Carolina at the request of Governor Cooper. This was part of a coordinated effort to support recovery operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The deployment included 1,500 active-duty troops and over 6,000 National Guardsmen to assist in the recovery efforts. There is no verified information indicating that Governor Cooper delayed the deployment of these troops. The deployment was part of a proactive response to the disaster, with federal and state resources being mobilized promptly to address the needs of affected communities. Therefore, Governor Cooper’s delay claim needs more substantiation from credible sources.

Narrative #11: Hurricanes are deliberately steered to flood homes and displace people from lithium-rich areas.

Compass Context

The claim that hurricanes are deliberately steered to flood homes and displace people from lithium-rich areas is a conspiracy theory that has been widely debunked. No scientific evidence or credible source supports the idea that human intervention can control or direct hurricanes. Experts, including those from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, have stated that while cloud seeding is a known weather modification technique, it is ineffective against the natural forces of a hurricane CBS News. Additionally, the claim that the government is seizing land in North Carolina for lithium mining is false. North Carolina has no active lithium mines, and the proposed projects are not located in areas affected by recent hurricanes PolitiFact. These conspiracy theories have been amplified on social media. Still, they have been consistently refuted by officials and experts who emphasize that the focus remains on recovery efforts in New York Times’s hardest-hit regions.

Narrative #12: President Biden is blocking rescue efforts for Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina, who are predominantly Trump voters.

Compass Context

The claim that President Biden is blocking rescue efforts for Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina, who are predominantly Trump voters, is not supported by evidence. In fact, the Biden administration has been actively involved in the relief efforts. According to FEMA, over $20 million in aid has been provided, and more than 5,000 federal personnel, including 1,500 from FEMA, are deployed in the affected areas FEMA. Additionally, the North Carolina National Guard and other federal resources are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, and significant federal aid has been allocated to support recovery efforts North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Claims of aid being withheld from Republican areas have been debunked, with FEMA stating that assistance is provided regardless of political affiliation CBS News. Furthermore, misinformation and conspiracy theories have been identified as hindrances to the recovery efforts, with officials urging the public to rely on verified information sources PBS.

Narrative #13: Kamala Harris suggested disaster aid should be distributed with consideration for race and gender to promote equity.

Compass Context

The claim that Kamala Harris suggested disaster aid should be distributed with consideration for race and gender to promote equity is misleading. During a discussion at the Democratic National Committee’s Women’s Leadership Forum, Vice President Harris spoke about the need for equitable distribution of resources to help vulnerable groups, such as low-income communities and communities of color, recover from climate change-related disasters. However, she did not specify that disaster aid, such as relief from Hurricane Ian, would be distributed based on race or gender. This misinterpretation was fueled by social media posts and political commentary that distorted her remarks. Harris emphasized the importance of addressing long-term disparities and ensuring that all communities, particularly those historically underserved, have access to resources for recovery and resilience building. The White House and FEMA have clarified that disaster aid is distributed based on need, not race or gender. Harris’s comments were about broader equity goals in climate change policy, not specific disaster relief efforts AP News, FactCheck.org.

LEARN MORE: Social Media Misinformation and Disinformation Attack Readiness and Response Checklist

Narrative #14: The U.S. Government is prioritizing housing for illegal immigrants over displaced North Carolinians by keeping an 800-bed facility in Greensboro unoccupied.

Compass Context

The claim that the U.S. Government is prioritizing housing for illegal immigrants over displaced North Carolinians by keeping an 800-bed facility in Greensboro unoccupied is partially misleading. The facility in question, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is indeed an 800-bed Influx Care Facility (ICF) intended for unaccompanied migrant children, as reported by CBS News. This facility was set up to temporarily house migrant children aged 13 to 17 who arrive at the U.S. border without parents or guardians. It is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts to manage spikes in child migrant arrivals. However, as of recent reports, the facility remains unoccupied and is on standby for upgrades, as noted by Carolina Journal. Local officials and former congressman Mark Walker have suggested repurposing the facility to house victims of Hurricane Helene, highlighting the urgency of addressing the needs of displaced North Carolinians. The facility’s current status as unoccupied is due to operational delays and not an active decision to prioritize migrants over residents. The situation is further complicated by logistical challenges and the need for federal approval to repurpose the facility for disaster relief, as discussed in WRAL News. Therefore, while the facility is intended for migrant children, it is not currently in use, and discussions are ongoing about its potential use for local disaster relief.

Narrative #15: FEMA representatives threatened reporter Jeremy Herrell to remove his videos on North Carolina.

Compass Context

The claim that FEMA representatives threatened reporter Jeremy Herrell to remove his videos on North Carolina appears to be part of a broader narrative involving misinformation about FEMA’s activities. According to a Poynter Institute article, false claims about FEMA confiscating supplies and donations meant for Hurricane Helene survivors have been circulating on social media. These claims have been debunked by FEMA officials and local leaders, who clarified that FEMA delivers supplies to states, which then distribute them. The misinformation has been flagged as part of efforts to combat false news, and FEMA has addressed these rumors on its “Rumor Response” page, stating that they do not confiscate donations. The spread of such misinformation can hinder disaster response efforts and create unnecessary fear among the public and FEMA employees. Therefore, the claim about threats to Jeremy Herrell should be viewed with skepticism unless further verified by credible sources.

Narrative #16: FEMA and Democrat officials hid supplies in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria to harm Trump’s image.

Compass Context

The claim that FEMA and Democrat officials hid supplies in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria to harm Trump’s image is not supported by verified evidence. In January 2020, a warehouse in Ponce, Puerto Rico, was discovered to contain unused emergency supplies dating back to Hurricane Maria in 2017. This led to public outrage and the firing of Carlos Acevedo, the head of Puerto Rico’s emergency management agency, by Governor Wanda Vázquez. The incident was attributed to mismanagement rather than a deliberate attempt to harm Trump’s image. The supplies were reportedly not distributed due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and lack of communication within the Puerto Rican government (NBC News, NPR). Additionally, there is no credible evidence linking Democrat officials to a conspiracy to hide supplies for political reasons. The Trump administration faced criticism for delaying the release of federal aid to Puerto Rico, which was only approved weeks before the 2020 presidential election (AP News). These events highlight mismanagement and political tension issues but do not substantiate the claim of a deliberate plot against Trump.

Narrative #17: Florida Republicans in Congress have opposed additional FEMA funding as another hurricane approaches Florida.

Compass Context

The claim that Florida Republicans in Congress have opposed additional FEMA funding as another hurricane approaches Florida is partially accurate. Recently, Congress approved a $20 billion allocation for FEMA’s disaster relief fund as part of a stopgap spending bill. However, this did not include additional supplemental disaster funding that some lawmakers deemed necessary Newsweek. Many Republicans, including some from Florida, voted against this bill, citing concerns over allocating funds for other purposes, such as migrant assistance, which they argued was diverting resources from disaster relief NPR. However, these claims have been refuted by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, which clarified that disaster relief funds have not been diverted for migrant assistance and that FEMA has sufficient resources for the immediate disaster response needs White House. The Biden administration has been actively working to ensure that communities affected by Hurricane Helene receive the necessary support and has called on Congress to provide additional funding to address potential shortfalls in the Disaster Relief Fund White House. Therefore, while there is some opposition to the current funding levels, the claim that Florida Republicans are blocking all additional FEMA funding is misleading, as the situation is more nuanced with ongoing political debates and efforts to secure further resources.

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Narrative #18: North Carolina Sheriffs will arrest FEMA officials for blocking rescue efforts and aid delivery.

Compass Context

The claim that North Carolina Sheriffs plan to arrest FEMA officials for blocking rescue efforts and aid delivery appears to be part of a broader set of misinformation surrounding the response to Hurricane Helene. No evidence supports the claim that FEMA officials are being arrested or obstructing aid. FEMA and local officials have refuted such claims, emphasizing that FEMA is coordinating with state and local agencies to deliver aid effectively. According to PolitiFact, these rumors are baseless and have been debunked by multiple officials, including FEMA Press Secretary Daniel Llargues, who clarified that FEMA delivers supplies to the state, which then distributes them. Additionally, Politico reported that allegations of FEMA blocking aid were denied by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who stated that no airspace was being shut down to block rescue operations. These false claims have been identified as potentially harmful, causing confusion and hindering emergency response efforts. It is important to rely on verified sources and official statements to understand the situation accurately.

Narrative #19: FEMA Director of Public Affairs locked their Twitter account during an emergency, compromising communication transparency

Compass Context

The claim that the FEMA Director of Public Affairs locked their Twitter account during an emergency, compromising communication transparency, lacks substantial evidence. No verified information or credible news reports confirm that the FEMA Director of Public Affairs locked their Twitter account during recent emergencies, such as Hurricane Helene. FEMA has been actively addressing misinformation and has a dedicated webpage for rumor response, indicating their commitment to transparency and communication during crises WYFF4. Additionally, FEMA has been actively involved in disaster response and coordination, as seen in their efforts during Hurricane Helene, where they worked closely with state and local governments to provide necessary resources and support Valley News Live. The agency has also been transparent about its funding and operations, countering false claims about misallocating resources WRAL. Therefore, the assertion about the locked social media accounts appears unsubstantiated and should be viewed with skepticism unless further evidence emerges.

LEARN MORE: 8 Ways for Security Leaders to Protect Their Organizations from Mis/Disinformation Attacks

Narrative #20: FEMA sends text messages instructing people not to help neighbors in need and to donate money to FEMA instead.

Compass Context

The claim that FEMA is sending text messages instructing people not to help neighbors in need and to donate money to FEMA instead is false. According to FEMA, no such directives are being issued by the agency. FEMA does not solicit donations directly from the public, and any claims suggesting otherwise are part of misinformation campaigns that have been circulating, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. FEMA has clarified that it does not confiscate donations or prevent people from helping their neighbors. Instead, FEMA works with voluntary agencies that manage food, water, and other food donations. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency also confirmed that they are not taking donations away but are overwhelmed by the influx of unsolicited contributions, which can impede their ability to provide aid effectively. PolitiFact has debunked several misleading claims about FEMA’s actions during disaster relief efforts, emphasizing that misinformation can hinder recovery operations. Verifying information from trusted sources and being cautious of rumors and scams is important, especially during disaster recovery efforts.

Narrative #21: FEMA disaster declaration neglects rural communities by including only 11 of the 90 affected counties.

Compass Context

The claim that FEMA’s disaster declaration neglects rural communities by including only 11 of the 90 affected counties is partially accurate but needs full context. Initially, the disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene indeed included only 11 counties, which led to criticism from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and others who argued that many rural areas were left out despite significant damage New York Post. However, following these criticisms, the declaration was expanded to include 41 counties in Georgia, possibly adding more as damage assessments continue Georgia Emergency Management Agency. FEMA has been actively working to assist in affected areas, including rural communities, by deploying personnel and resources to help with recovery efforts FEMA. The expansion of the disaster declaration and the ongoing efforts to include more counties indicate that while the initial response may have been limited, steps are being taken to address the needs of all affected areas, including rural communities.

Narrative #22: The Federal government is controlling the weather.

Compass Context

The claim that the federal government controls the weather is a conspiracy theory widely debunked by experts and officials. One of the most cited programs in these theories is the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP), which is often falsely claimed to control weather patterns. However, experts have clarified that HAARP’s activities are limited to studying the ionosphere and have no impact on weather in the troposphere or stratosphere, where weather occurs AAP FactCheck. Additionally, the concept of ‘chemtrails’—the idea that governments spray chemicals into the atmosphere to control the weather—has also been debunked. These trails are simply water vapor from aircraft engines BBC. Experts and government officials have dismissed recent claims by public figures, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, suggesting that the government can control hurricanes as baseless and harmful misinformation AL.com. The spread of such misinformation can hinder disaster response efforts and create unnecessary fear among the public NCR Online.

LEARN MORE: Communication Leaders Misinformation & Disinformation Attack Readiness Checklist

Key Takeaways for Organization Leaders on Navigating Narrative Attacks During Crisis Situations:

• Timely, Transparent Communication: In natural disasters, misinformation and disinformation can quickly spread, obscuring facts and diverting resources. Agencies like FEMA have countered this by launching platforms like the Rumor Response page to clarify facts and dispel m​​yths.

• Real-Time Narrative Analysis: Blackbird.AI’s Narrative Intelligence Platform and Compass Context enable leaders to monitor and analyze misinformation and disinformation as it emerges. By doing so, organizations can better understand and counteract misleading claims that impact operations and public perception.

• Proactive Context-Checking: Products like Constellation and Compass Context provide a layer of validation and context, especially during crises. This proactive approach can address false narratives, providing a sense of security and confidence in the accuracy of information around fund allocation or operational motives.

• Counter-Political Manipulation: Misinformation and disinformation often become tools for political agendas, as seen in election-related FEMA narratives. Leaders should anticipate and prepare for politically charged disinformation to safeguard their organization’s reputation and mission.

• Combat Conspiracy Theories with Science-Based Messaging: Addressing and debunking conspiracy theories requires a foundation of scientific evidence and expert testimony, which can dispel rumors while maintaining public trust.

• Utilize Multi-Channel Misinformation Defense: Organizations should employ various channels and platforms to respond to misinformation. Coordinating with local agencies and maintaining transparency across digital channels can reinforce information accuracy and mitigate the impact of false narratives.

LEARN MORE: Unlocking the Power of Narrative Intelligence

As the floodwaters recede and communities begin the long recovery process, the battle against narrative attacks created by misinformation and disinformation continues. For FEMA and other agencies on the front lines of disaster response, the task is clear but needs to be more straightforward: to find ways to break through the noise, build trust, and ensure that vital, accurate information reaches those who need it most. A single false claim can spread faster online than any storm. The stakes are high. The challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation are not unique to Hurricane Helene or North Carolina; they are the new reality of disaster response in the 21st century. How we meet those challenges determines our resilience in the face of the growing threats hurricanes develop more often and are more severe.

To learn more about how Blackbird.AI can help you in these situations, book a demo.