Hurricane “Milton” fuels the spread of fake news
Published: Wednesday, Oct 9th 2024, 12:20
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Before the arrival of hurricane "Milton", rumors flourish in the affected areas that hinder relief efforts. This fuels the political debate about how to deal with fake news and conspiracy theories.
It is not unusual for natural disasters to fuel rumors, US media quoted Deanne Criswell, head of the US disaster control agency Fema, as saying on Wednesday Swiss time. However, she had not expected the current extent: "It is the worst I have ever experienced".
People in the affected areas are being deterred from seeking help by rumors circulating. The authority has therefore set up a website to refute false news - for example, the claim that the Florida Department of Emergency Management is preventing evacuations. "This is a harmful rumor that can put lives in danger," the site said, "if you are told to evacuate, do so immediately."
"The height of irresponsibility"
The topic is also gaining importance with a view to the presidential elections in November. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris sharply attacked her Republican opponent Donald Trump in a talk show on US broadcaster ABC for statements relating to disaster relief in the affected areas.
"It's the height of irresponsibility and, frankly, insensitivity," she said. People are losing their homes and Trump is using the situation for political games, "but that's so consistent with Donald Trump: he puts himself above the needs of others." President Joe Biden described the spread of fake news as "un-American". People were being misled and panicked.
Trump fires up conspiracy theories
Just under two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene hit the northwest coast of Florida, causing severe devastation. According to media reports, more than 200 people lost their lives in several states. Trump quickly used the disaster for his election campaign and criticized Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for not having reacted sufficiently. At campaign events, he repeated the conspiracy theory that disaster relief funds were flowing to migrants without legal status in order to illegally persuade these people to vote for Democrats in the upcoming election.
"Milton", a category 5 hurricane, is expected to hit the west coast of Florida on Wednesday evening (local time). According to forecasts, it is likely to weaken before it makes landfall, but its enormous size has considerable destructive potential.
©Keystone/SDA
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