This story is part of State of Emergency, a Grist series exploring how climate disasters are impacting voting and politics. The conspiracy theories surrounding Hurricane Helene, the deadliest storm since Katrina in 2005, began to circulate as the flood waters rose. Some claimed that the storm was created to target Trump voters in swing states. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia even suggested that weather control was possible, while Alex Jones, known for spreading hoaxes, alleged that the government directed the storm at North Carolina to mine its lithium reserves for electric vehicle batteries.
Numerous keyboard conspiracists on platforms like TikTok, X, and Reddit have accused FEMA of withholding supplies from communities affected by the storm. Despite these claims, experts have debunked the conspiracies as untrue. Disasters often give rise to such theories, casting doubt on the government’s response.
The proximity of Hurricane Helene to Election Day has fueled various conspiracies that reflect broader cultural discussions surrounding immigration, workplace inclusivity, and other hot-button issues. Former President Trump has capitalized on these theories, criticizing the Biden administration’s response.
Some of the theories have a grain of truth to them, such as reference to the real Project Stormfury program from the 1960s. FEMA’s role in disaster relief is often misunderstood, with many believing it provides direct aid like food and water immediately after a disaster. In reality, FEMA coordinates relief efforts and works with local agencies to distribute supplies efficiently.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many individuals in affected areas were left to rely on local resources and volunteers before federal aid arrived. Community members in cities like Asheville came together to provide assistance to those in need. Despite the challenges, local support and collaboration have been a crucial lifeline for those impacted by the storm.
