The Political Scene | The New Yorker
How Hurricane Helene Has Fuelled Far-Right Conspiracies
Oct 16, 2024
Jessica Pishko, a New Yorker writer covering Hurricane Helene's aftermath, joins to unravel the chaos following the storm in North Carolina. The discussion reveals how conspiracy theories about disaster funding and FEMA's actions gained traction online. Pishko examines the political ramifications, particularly for scandal-plagued Republican candidate Mark Robinson. The episode also addresses the misinformation surrounding rescue efforts and the broader implications of climate change, all set against the backdrop of a pivotal election.
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Quick takeaways
- The aftermath of Hurricane Helene revealed significant infrastructure weaknesses in Asheville, complicating emergency response and highlighting the need for urgent improvements.
- Conspiracy theories surrounding disaster aid emerged post-storm, reflecting a politicization of recovery efforts and affecting perceptions ahead of the upcoming Presidential election.
Deep dives
Impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville
Hurricane Helene unexpectedly devastated Asheville, North Carolina, a city over 300 miles from the coast, leading to severe flooding and mudslides. The storm's impact was exacerbated by a prior week of rainfall, saturating the soil and creating conditions ripe for disaster. Local infrastructure, which had not been updated for some time, contributed to the city's struggles, as many residents relied on well water that required electricity to access. The flooding contaminated water systems significantly, leaving many households unable to obtain safe drinking water or perform basic sanitation needs.
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