The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a stark warning about the growing impact of misinformation surrounding its hurricane response efforts. As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida, and communities still grapple with the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated that disinformation is significantly hindering their ability to provide aid, putting lives at risk.
During a press briefing, Criswell described the current level of misinformation as unprecedented. "I anticipated some of this, but not to the extent that we're seeing this," she said. She expressed concerns that the spread of false information was not only demoralizing first responders but also deterring those affected by the storms from seeking critical assistance. "If it creates so much fear that my staff doesn't want to go out in the field, then we're not going to be in a position where we can help people," she emphasized.
The disinformation crisis has been amplified by figures such as former President Donald Trump, who, along with other Republicans, has claimed that FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene was biased against Republicans and that funds meant for storm victims were diverted to support housing for illegal immigrants. These allegations, according to FEMA, are completely baseless and politically motivated. President Biden called this stream of disinformation "un-American," criticizing it for targeting people at their most vulnerable moments.
FEMA has launched a dedicated fact-checking page in response to the surge in false claims regarding its storm response efforts. Criswell stressed that misleading narratives about FEMA's disaster recovery operations are creating a broader lack of trust in federal and state responders, potentially leading to chaos and reduced efficiency in disaster-stricken areas. She noted, "I'm frankly disappointed that we're still having to have this conversation. I've talked to local officials on the ground, and they are pushing back on this narrative."
Hurricane Helene has already claimed more than 230 lives across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. As Hurricane Milton approaches, meteorologists warn that it could be even more catastrophic, posing a significant threat to Florida's Gulf Coast. Amid the chaos, the misinformation surrounding FEMA's role could further complicate evacuation efforts and delay the distribution of emergency resources.
The misinformation campaign has also prompted concerns about foreign interference. Criswell indicated that while FEMA has not confirmed whether foreign actors are behind the current disinformation, similar tactics were observed following the Maui wildfires last year. "We have always put up rumor control pages because there's always been people that have been out there trying to take advantage of those that have just lost so much," she said, highlighting the rise in malicious efforts to spread falsehoods during crises.
Criswell pointed out that one of the most damaging rumors is that FEMA is diverting disaster relief funds to other causes, such as immigration or border security. FEMA's official statement strongly refutes this claim, clarifying that disaster response efforts are financed through the Disaster Relief Fund, which has not been redirected to non-disaster-related expenses. "This is false. No money is being diverted from disaster response needs," FEMA stated, aiming to reassure the public about the integrity of their operations.
The misinformation is not only undermining trust in FEMA but also affecting the morale of first responders. "It's just really demoralizing to them. It hurts their morale, and they've left their families to be able to come in here and help people," Criswell said, underscoring the emotional toll that disinformation has on those working tirelessly on the ground. She added that the agency is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of its staff in affected areas.
Amid this backdrop, Criswell also highlighted the importance of federal funding to sustain ongoing disaster recovery efforts. While FEMA currently has sufficient resources to manage immediate needs for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Criswell warned that without additional funding from Congress, the agency could face financial constraints in the coming months. "I'm not going to be able to support those recoveries for long without a supplemental," she stated, urging lawmakers to act swiftly to avoid a funding shortfall.
