Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Hurricane Helene Spark Widespread Misinformation
By Layla Ferris
Updated on: October 7, 2024
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a surge of misinformation and conspiracy theories has taken hold on social media, capturing the attention of many and spreading rapidly across platforms like X, TikTok, and Facebook. Among the most outlandish claims are allegations that the federal government intentionally manipulated the storm's path to target Republican areas and that it plans to seize land in North Carolina for lithium mining.
One of the most notorious falsehoods is the claim that authorities are attempting to commandeer the town of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, to facilitate lithium mining operations. Social media posts purporting to reveal this alleged government seizure have racked up millions of views, with one post on X alone attracting over 6 million views. Proponents of this theory reference a supposed town meeting where officials allegedly stated plans to bulldoze Chimney Rock. However, Rutherford County Emergency Management has categorically denied these claims, stating that they are "entirely false" and that no such meeting occurred. Instead, local lawmakers are focused on securing federal and state support for recovery efforts in the area.
Compounding the confusion, some users mistakenly linked the claims to Kings Mountain, where a lithium mine is expected to reopen, despite it being located 80 to 100 miles away from Chimney Rock. Local officials have been diligently working on recovery efforts, including clearing debris and restoring infrastructure. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has clarified that it cannot seize property or land from residents, further debunking the rumors.
Equally concerning are the conspiracy theories suggesting that the government manipulated Hurricane Helene to impact predominantly Republican regions. Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene fueled this theory with a post on X, claiming, "Yes they can control the weather," which garnered over 40 million views. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones echoed these sentiments, alleging that the federal government had the capability to eliminate the storm before it made landfall. Both Greene and Jones pointed to cloud seeding as a means of weather control.
While cloud seeding has been a method of weather modification since the 1940s, experts stress that it does not equate to controlling storms. Historical attempts at hurricane modification through cloud seeding, which occurred from 1962 to 1983, were ultimately abandoned due to their ineffectiveness against the natural forces of hurricanes, as confirmed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The fallout from these conspiracies is significant. Federal and state officials have indicated that such misinformation is obstructing relief efforts for hurricane victims. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell described the spread of false claims as "demoralizing" for aid workers, while Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina noted that these distractions detract from essential rescue operations.
As misinformation continues to circulate, it’s crucial to rely on verified sources for updates. For more accurate information and ongoing updates, follow this link for the latest news.