In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which struck the United States in September 2024, a coordinated disinformation campaign has emerged. Intelligence reports indicate that operatives from Russia, China, and Cuba have sought to amplify false narratives regarding the U.S. government's disaster response.
On October 10, a fabricated image circulated on Telegram, allegedly depicting a flooded Disney World in Florida. This image, likely generated by artificial intelligence, was part of a broader effort to mislead the public about the federal government's response to the hurricanes.
Additionally, Chinese influencers have propagated misleading claims about U.S. spending priorities, suggesting that financial support for foreign conflicts has hindered assistance for disaster victims. An image shared on October 1 depicted Vice President Kamala Harris amid flood damage, with a caption alleging that disaster relief funds were directed elsewhere.
Cuban operatives have echoed these sentiments, asserting that U.S. support for Israel and Ukraine has diverted necessary resources from domestic disaster relief efforts. Reports indicate that this messaging has combined genuine information about hurricane evacuations with false claims about the government's neglect of American citizens.
The disinformation has gained traction on major social media platforms, prompting concerns among local, state, and federal officials who are grappling with the challenge of countering these false narratives. The situation underscores the ongoing struggle against misinformation in the digital age, particularly during times of crisis.