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Hurricane Milton, as it was undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle over the Gulf of Mexico, captured by the Expedition 72 crew aboard the International Space Station on October 8, 2024.

Hurricane Milton, as it was undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle over the Gulf of Mexico, captured by the Expedition 72 crew aboard the International Space Station on October 8, 2024. Photo credit: NASA & International Space Station

Hurricane Recovery Complicated by Conspiracy Theories

October 12, 2024

Hurricane Recovery Complicated by Conspiracy Theories

Ask students: What are some of the harms of misinformation on emergency recovery, according to Kayyem? When and Where did Hurricane Helene cause widespread damage?

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Following devastating damage in southeastern states from Hurricane Helene, many have spread lies and spouted conspiracy theories about the federal government’s response. The disinformation is causing confusion among those most desperate for help and answers. Geoff Bennett discussed this with Juliette Kayyem, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security.

View the transcript of the story.

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Discussion Questions

  1. Who is Juliette Kayyem, and what is her background?
  2. What are some of the harms of misinformation on emergency recovery, according to Kayyem?
  3. When and Where did Hurricane Helene cause widespread damage?
  4. How have political figures like former President Donald Trump claimed the federal government is failing on recovery?
  5. Why have hoaxes about government actions led to some people ignoring evacuation orders?

Focus Questions

Juliette Kayyem says that emergencies like hurricanes can make it harder for those affected to access accurate information. She says that those in affected areas should seek a good "media diet." What do you think she means, and what do you think makes a good media diet during disasters and emergencies?

Media literacy: In this interview, Kayyem makes a distinction between misinformation and disinformation. What distinction does she make, and do you think it matters whether or not inaccurate information is spread on purpose or by accident?

Extension Activity

Read the article from the Associated Press, "Disinformation and conspiracy theories cloud Helene recovery efforts in hard-hit areas." Then, discuss — how citizens could make sure they have access to accurate media during times of disaster. What sources might be best to use? What if accessing the internet or television is difficult because of power and communications outages?

Disaster Recovery and Preparedness: Lesson Plans and Resources

Devastation, loss of life, and trauma following a natural disaster like hurricanes, earthquakes or wildfires can be emotionally damaging to our children. Share My Lesson’s curated collection of free resources will help not only you and your students, but your school and community understand and cope with natural disasters and their aftermath.

Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.

PBS NewsHour Classroom
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of NewsHour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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