Federal government combats misinformation amid hurricane recovery [Video]

As the federal government responds to back-to-back hurricanes, officials are also battling misinformation and disinformation. “The disinformation that we have seen around Helene and now Milton is unlike anything I have ever witnessed,” said Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Resilience and Response Caitlin Durkovich.The White House recently launched a Reddit account focused on spreading accurate information. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also has a section on its website dedicated to dispelling false rumors. One widely circulated myth is that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is only providing $750 to storm survivors. FEMA says this is an initial payment called Serious Needs Assistance that can be used for immediate needs like food, water and medicine. It’s just one of several forms of assistance available to help people recover.It’s also false that FEMA may confiscate land if individuals apply for assistance, according to the agency. “When you apply for disaster assistance a …