Catastrophic Hurricane Milton leaves at least 10 fatalities in Florida.
As per American government records, Hurricane "Milton" in Florida has resulted in at least ten reported fatalities. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas verified this during a press conference, noting that initial U.S. media reports suggested at least six deaths.
Mayorkas further criticized the deliberate dissemination of false information that's directly impacting survivors. For instance, he mentioned false claims that "government agents aiding people will steal their land." This misconception, he explained, has made some people wary and reluctant to accept help due to fear.
Before this, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had already sounded the alarm about misinformation, primarily being spread by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Mayorkas also shared concerns about threats against officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He stated, "We're witnessing all sorts of vile speech spreading online." These harmful comments not only impact people's lives but also instigate ill-intentioned actions.
Mayorkas stressed the importance of combating misinformation, particularly the false claim about government agents taking people's land, which is hindering some survivors from seeking assistance due to fear. The circulation of such false information during natural disasters can lead to increased mistrust and hinder relief efforts.
