After the flood of lies: the most popular conspiracy theories about Hurricane Helene

As Florida prepares for its arrival Hurricane Miltonconsequences Hurricane Helene is further complicated by the pipeline conspiracy theories AND misinformation. These baseless claims have increased the challenges facing emergency teams trying to provide aid to devastated communities, making an already dire situation even more complex.
FEMA faces false claims of misappropriation of funds
Hurricane Helene, which hit on September 26, killed more than 225 people in states from Florida to North Carolina. But as federal and local relief efforts have ramped up, misinformation has emerged online, making the recovery process even more difficult. Among the most persistent conspiracy theories is the claim that FEMA misappropriated disaster relief funds to support undocumented immigrants.
This claim, promoted primarily by former President Donald Trump, has been widely debunked. Trump asserted, without evidence, that “Biden and Harris used federal emergency funds against people who shouldn’t be in our country.” Deanne Criswell, head of FEMA, vehemently denied this, saying, “This type of rhetoric is not helpful to people.” Independent fact-checkers and FEMA officials have clarified that disaster relief funds are separate from programs aimed at helping migrants.
Weather Control Plot: Attack on Republicans?
Another disturbing theory gaining popularity suggests that the U.S. government can control the weather and that Hurricane Helene was intentionally directed toward Republican-voting areas to influence the upcoming presidential election. This baseless idea, amplified by far-right activists such as MP Marjorie Taylor Greene, has gained popularity on social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter).
“Yes, they can control the weather,” Greene wrote, further fueling the false narrative. The claim, which echoes similar theories from previous natural disasters, suggests that Democrats under President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris used Helene as a political weapon to hurt Republican voters.
Dam and body disposal scams spread fear
Other conspiracy theories have caused panic in the hardest-hit areas. In North Carolina, one false claim suggested that a levee would soon burst, leading to unnecessary evacuations. Another rumor, widely spread on the Internet, was that FEMA was planning to demolish bodies under the rubble in some cities. These stories, while false, have deepened the chaos and distrust in the recovery process.
Criswell warned that such baseless claims instill fear and prevent residents from seeking much-needed help. “The ability to go out there has a huge impact on the comfort level of our employees,” she said, noting that misinformation has even led to threats against FEMA employees.
Attempts to debunk disinformation
The authorities have taken steps to expose the most dangerous lies. FEMA has launched a rumor control website to counter conspiracy theories and provide accurate information to the public. Local leaders from both parties also stepped in to ease tensions. Glenn Jacobs, the Republican mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, urged citizens to “put aside your hate and join us in helping.”
However, despite efforts to curb the spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories continue to flourish, especially on platforms like X, which have become a hub for right-wing disinformation since its takeover by Elon Musk. Some of the most viral posts, including those claiming federal authorities were withholding aid in Republican areas, have garnered millions of views.
Political disinformation hinders recovery efforts
As federal and state officials work tirelessly to rebuild devastated communities, the political atmosphere surrounding Hurricane Helene continues to intensify. President Biden emphasized that his administration “will continue to work with local and state leaders – regardless of political party.” However, the spread of false information has led to growing distrust of government efforts, particularly in Republican-leaning areas.
With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall later this week, officials fear that misinformation surrounding Helene could further undermine confidence in disaster relief efforts, making it more difficult to protect vulnerable communities from future storms.
(With the participation of the agency)