The devastating floods in Texas earlier this month, which claimed over 130 lives and destroyed homes and holiday camps, have given rise to a wave of far-right conspiracy theories. Social media users and even some elected officials have been spreading misinformation, blaming the government for causing the extreme weather event.
Guardian contributor Ben Makuch explained to Reged Ahmad why so many people are turning to such theories in an attempt to comprehend the tragedy. The conspiracy narratives often involve claims that authorities deliberately engineered the floods, despite a lack of evidence.
As authorities continue rescue and recovery efforts, with a new flash flood watch issued, the spread of false information has complicated the response. The phenomenon highlights how crises can fuel distrust and misinformation, particularly in politically charged environments.
