Aerial view of Arroio do Meio following the devastating floods that hit the region in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, taken on May 15, 2024. Up to now, heavy rains, flooding, and mudslides that have ravaged the southern Rio Grande do Sul state for about two weeks have left 147 people killed, about 600,000 people displaced, more than 800 injured, and 124 people reported missing. (Photo: NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)
In the southern regions of Brazil, where flooding has brought widespread devastation, a new challenge has emerged: the spread of misinformation.
Challenging the Spread of Disinformation
As communities grapple with the aftermath of the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, false information on social media platforms has added another layer of complexity to relief efforts.
This misinformation, ranging from rumors about rescue operations to false claims about government aid distribution, hinders the timely and effective provision of assistance to those in urgent need.
False information is spreading online, with some claiming that official agencies are not rescuing people in the southernmost state. That red tape is causing delays in providing essentials like food, water, and clothing.
Another rumor suggests that authorities are hiding many deaths, according to Jairo Jorge, the mayor of Canoas, a badly affected city.
Local leaders, including Jorge, say that unknown people behind these misleading posts are using the crisis to make people lose trust in the government.
Ary Vanazzi, the mayor of Sao Leopoldo, expressed disappointment that many ignored official warnings, believing instead the social media gossip that government alerts were just politicians trying to scare people.
During this crisis, the Associated Press reported that many individuals chose not to evacuate their homes, possibly resulting in casualties. Vanazzi expressed concern that defending against misinformation often consumes more time than assisting the community.
Over the last two weeks, floods have caused the deaths of at least 149 individuals, with over 100 still unaccounted for, as reported by state authorities on Wednesday. The disaster has displaced over 600,000 residents from their homes.
Brazil's Response
The army and local agencies have deployed around 31,000 soldiers, police, and other personnel to rescue over 69,000 individuals and 10,000 animals. They have also transported tons of aid via air and boats.
Brazil's federal government has pledged to allocate nearly 51 billion reais ($10 billion) towards recovery efforts. Additionally, they will offer financial support to farmers and small businesses and temporarily suspend the state's 11-billion-reais annual debt service.
The military command expressed concern about these reports, stating they don't match the actual situation. They clarified that many soldiers have also been affected by the floods, with some losing their homes and still working to assist the affected population.
Responding to concerns raised by military officials, the Brazilian government is urging social media platforms to take action against the spread of false information, according to Attorney General Jorge Messias.
False information is making it difficult for aid workers to operate effectively. Residents have criticized government officials for their perceived sluggish response and have threatened to publicly shame them online.
Mayors of Sao Leopoldo and Canoas reported instances where locals confronted firefighters, alleging they hadn't rescued individuals and pets promptly.
Additionally, individuals posing as volunteers entered a warehouse belonging to the state's civil defense agency last week.
