"Storms Helene and Milton have triggered rise of misinformation stoked by Trump and fellow Republicans"
"Meteorologists tracking the advance of Hurricane Milton have been targeted by a deluge of conspiracy theories that they were controlling the weather, abuse and even death threats, amid what they say is an unprecedented surge in misinformation as two major hurricanes have hit the US.
A series of falsehoods and threats have swirled in the two weeks since Hurricane Helene tore through six states causing several hundred deaths, followed by Milton crashing into Florida on Wednesday.
The extent of the misinformation, which has been stoked by Donald Trump and his followers, has been such that it has stymied the ability to help hurricane-hit communities, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).
Katie Nickolaou, a Michigan-based meteorologist, said that she and her colleagues have borne the brunt of much of these conspiracies, having received messages claiming there are category 6 hurricanes (there aren’t), that meteorologists or the government are creating and directing hurricanes (they aren’t) and even that scientists should be killed and radar equipment be demolished."
Oliver Milman reports for the Guardian October 11, 2024.
SEE ALSO:
"Armed Militia 'Hunting FEMA' Causes Hurricane Responders to Evacuate—Report" (Newsweek)
"North Carolina Authorities Arrest Armed Man After Threats Against FEMA Workers" (Washington Post)
"Meteorologists Get Death Threats as Hurricane Milton Conspiracy Theories Thrive" (Rolling Stone)
"Meteorologists Face Harassment and Death Threats Amid Hurricane Disinformation" (New York Times)
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