Natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can create a state of general panic that unfortunately fans the flames of misinformation.
Misinformation during natural disasters can exacerbate confusion and fear.
Following the recent Turkey-Syria earthquake, misinformation in different forms has gone viral online.
Misbar’s team has worked on debunking misinformation related to the recent Turkey-Syria earthquake.
This article explores the various forms of misinformation that can arise during natural disasters, and how you can avoid it.
Why is Misinformation Rampant During Natural Disasters?
There are several reasons why misinformation can go viral during natural disasters.
To begin with, people are often in a state of panic due to anxiety and fear during natural disasters, which can make them more susceptible to misinformation.
Moreover, the fast-paced nature of breaking news during natural disasters can lead to a shared sense of urgency that presses people to share news before checking the sources.
Additionally, some people may deliberately spread false information to sow discord or manipulate decision making.
Lastly, some social media pages and accounts feast on moments of heightened tension to garner interactions and grow their accounts.
Forms of Misinformation During Natural Disasters
There are several forms of misinformation that can arise during natural disasters.
- False Death Tolls: The number of casualties from a disaster can either be exaggerated or downplayed.
- False Evacuation Orders: People can share false evacuation orders, leading people to leave their homes and potentially endangering them.
- Fake Rescue and Relief: Fake organizations or individuals can claim to be providing rescue or relief efforts. This can also lead to fraudulent scams that urge people to donate.
- Rumors of Looting and Violence: When rumors of looting and violence spread, fear and panic skyrocket. This can dissuade volunteers from providing help.
How to Avoid Misinformation
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from misinformation during natural disasters:
1- Get information From Reliable Sources
During a disaster, it is important to get information from reliable, formal sources such as government agencies, news organizations, and first responders.
2- Fact-check Information
Before sharing news or acting on any information, it is important to fact-check the information. There are also several fact-checking websites, such as Misbar, that you can use to verify information.
3- Be Ware of Scam
Make sure that the organizations you donate money to are trustworthy.
4- Verify Evacuation Orders
If you receive an evacuation order, it is important to verify it with local authorities before leaving your home.
Misbar’s Sources
