Misinformation in crisis: How false information can cost lives during natural disasters -

Access to timely and accurate information can be the difference between life and death during a natural disaster. Increasingly, in risks of hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and other disasters, communities rely on what they hope is reliable information in order to make critical decisions. But the rise of misinformation can create confusion, panic, and cause people to make choices that put their lives at risk.

How does false information undermine efforts to manage emergencies? Click through this gallery to find out more.

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Reliable information in times of crisis -

In times of crisis, reliable information helps communities make critical decisions. Unfortunately, misinformation and disinformation have become commonplace during natural disasters, sometimes impeding rescue and relief efforts.

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Information determines behavior -

Awaiting accurate and timely information to understand the potential impact of a natural disaster and official instructions on how the public should behave can cultivate a sense of frustration for those awaiting or experiencing the consequences of natural disasters.

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Timely communication -

When information isn’t provided in a timely manner, there is a risk of consuming information that is accessible as true, even if it hasn’t been verified.

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Rumor response page -

Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established a ‘rumor response’ page, reminding the public that information should come from trusted sources and for people to only share verified information. It offers fact-checking and points users to factual information.

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Aftermath of false information -

Efforts to deal with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton have faced challenges emerging from the sharing of unverified sources of information.

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Political unity in combating misinformation -

Across party lines, emergency officials alongside both Republican and Democratic leaders have criticized the sharing of false information as a key hindrance to federal, state, and local response efforts.

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Trump disseminates false information on FEMA activities -

On September 30, 2024, former US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that FEMA was failing to deliver critical aid to certain areas specifically because they are "Republican areas."

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Furthering misinformation -

Social media users amplified Trump’s messaging. Some claimed that the lack of swift disaster response to particular areas is due to residents being white.

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False claims to foster division -

US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R - Georgia) took these false claims on social media further, arguing that Democrats control the weather and, therefore, caused Hurricane Helene.

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Access to help politicized -

Subsequently, more disinformation has spread that has claimed that undocumented immigrants receive more help from FEMA and other disaster relief efforts in comparison to American citizens.

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FEMA accused of confiscating goods -

Another false claim that gained traction is that FEMA is confiscating goods that have been gathered to help hurricane victims, instead of distributing them.

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Misinformation for homeowners -

According to a recent White House press release, a rumor that is keeping people from accessing the help they need is that applying for disaster assistance will allow the federal government to seize property from homeowners.

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Baseless claims foster fear -

Using communities’ most vulnerable moments to produce baseless claims that foster fear and create divisions makes the difficult conditions that emerge during natural disasters more complex for officials, as public mistrust creates a sense of suspicion between communities and entities delivering aid.

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Maui wildfires -

Similar conditions shaped recovery efforts following the August 2023 wildfires in Maui. Disinformation rumors created suspicion and fear among the public and impeded efforts for victims to receive much-needed assistance quickly.

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FEMA notes misinformation is permanent -

FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell shared that the spread of false information will be a feature of natural disasters from now on.

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Political advantages from disinformation -

Criswell claimed that those who gain political advantages from the dissemination of dangerous rumors should be reprimanded.

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Unnecessary risk -

Jeffrey Blevins, professor at the University of Cincinnati's College of Arts and Sciences, argues that efforts to undermine the credibility of government and non-government institutions that seek to provide assistance to individuals in a timely and organized manner places people at unnecessary risk.

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Unsubstantiated claims difficult to repair -

What makes misinformation particularly challenging is that once unsubstantiated claims spread, it is difficult to repair the messaging and to ensure that those who consumed the false information will also access and believe verified information.

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Strengthening official communication -

To effectively manage the challenges of misinformation, official communication channels coming from governmental and disaster management agencies should be strengthened. That way, accurate information is consistently received by the public, lessening dependency on unofficial reports.

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Fact-checking to debunk claims in real time -

Fact-checking organizations and networks should reinforce efforts by official communication channels to deescalate false narratives and verify or debunk claims in real time.

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Policies within social media companies -

Social media networks play a major role in today’s communication. Creating policies within social media companies to flag and ultimately remove false information can promote a culture of verified information sharing and consumption.

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Using predictive technology -

Predictive technology can be implemented to identify when misinformation is being spread, in efforts to mitigate its dissemination and consumption at large scales.

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Pre-disaster communication and strategy -

Pre-disaster communication networks and strategies should be in place well before the event occurs, to mitigate communication gaps and opportunistic misinformation. Preparing approved messages and emergency updates can help streamline communication between the public and officials.

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Media literacy -

A larger public education campaign that fosters media literacy is of critical necessity on a global level, focusing on educating the public on how to evaluate the credibility of sources, engage official information in times of crises, and in day-to-day media consumption.

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Fostering strong communities -

Outside of digital communication networks, a grassroots approach to local community engagement is essential in combating false information. By fostering strong communities, local leaders can play a significant role in dispelling rumors and offering trustworthy information.

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Response plans to build trust -

Response teams should cultivate rapid and cohesive response plans to build trust among the public and to ensure that people receive help as soon as possible. By demonstrating competent and timely disaster responses, officials strengthen their relationship with the public.

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Misinformation is part of disaster communication -

Misinformation is now a key part of the communication stream when disaster strikes. The spread of damaging rumors that impede people from getting the help they need has been a staple in disasters across the world.

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Awareness of misinformation -

Our collective awareness of the dangers of misinformation and disinformation is essential to combating the risks posed.

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The way forward -

Responsible use of social media in conjunction with ethical behavior by social media companies and clear communication from official channels can change the impact of how disinformation is disseminated and consumed. Creating stronger communities that help share verified information in real time can mitigate unnecessary risks and dangers for people facing natural disasters. 

Sources: (Brookings) (The Washington Post) (The New York Times) (SOAS) (University of Cincinnati) (Canadian Red Cross) (FEMA) (Reuters)

See also: Watch out for these nature warnings before a natural disaster

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