"False claims are adding to the chaos and confusion in many storm-battered communities. Social media platforms such as X have allowed the falsehoods to spread."

"One day after Helene slammed into Asheville, N.C., leading to seven trees falling on her house and destroying her roof, Nicole McNeill read an alarming article that warned a second storm was barreling toward the area.

McNeill, 43, had a panic attack, her anxiety spiking and her heart pounding. She knew she didn’t have enough gasoline in her car to evacuate from yet another disaster.

But it was all a hoax."

Maxine Joselow, Will Oremus, Gerrit De Vynck and Mark Berman report for the Washington Post October 5, 2024. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Another Hurdle in Recovery From Helene: Misinformation Is Getting in the Way" (New York Times) [3]

"FEMA warns of Helene misinformation, launches ‘rumor response’ page" (The Hill) [4]

"Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response" (FEMA) [5]

"Lawmaker On Helene Conspiracy Theories: ‘PLEASE Help Stop This Junk’" (The Hill) [6]

"Tennessee Mayor On FEMA Attacks Post-Helene: ‘Quit Spreading Those Rumors’" (The Hill) [7]