US officials struggle to quash Hurricane Helene conspiracy theories

FILE PHOTO: Cars drive along a road affected by floods following the passing of Hurricane Helene in Old Fort, North Carolina, U.S., October 4, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo

(Reuters) - In the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Helene in the United States this week, a new storm emerged on social media - false rumors about how disaster funds have been used, and even claims that officials control the weather.

Local and national government officials say they are trying to combat the rumors, including one spread by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.