Race Day Live A viral TikTok video claims that Californians impacted by recent wildfires received $25,000 in initial disaster aid from FEMA, while North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene only got $750. However, this claim is false.
The misinformation comes from a satirical Facebook post shared on January 9 by the page “America’s Last Line Of Defense.”
This page openly states in its bio that its content is purely satire and should not be taken as fact. Despite this, the post gained traction online, misleading many viewers.
FEMA officials have confirmed that the claim is untrue. A FEMA spokesperson clarified in an email that the agency has not allocated $25,000 to California residents.
The spokesperson emphasized that FEMA is fully equipped to handle disasters in all states, including California and North Carolina, without diverting resources from one state to another.
Further investigation by fact-checking organizations, including Check Your Fact and USA Today, found no credible evidence to support the claim.
The satirical post was identified as the source of the confusion, and no reliable news outlets have reported on such large payouts.
In reality, FEMA provides smaller, uniform payments for disaster assistance. For example, in January, President Biden mentioned that California residents impacted by the wildfires would receive a one-time payment of $770.
Similarly, North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene were eligible for a $750 one-time “Serious Needs Assistance” payment, which was later increased to $770 in October 2024.
Read More:
- Five, Including Four Minors, Killed in Tragic Bladen County Crash: North Carolina Highway Patrol
- South Dakota Firefighters Get a Surprise Visit from Prince Harry in California!
The viral TikTok video also features an image with misleading text comparing FEMA’s supposed payouts to Californians and North Carolinians. The content reinforces a false narrative that FEMA favors certain states or demographics over others.
The FEMA spokesperson reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting all disaster-affected areas equally, saying, “FEMA remains dedicated to helping people before, during, and after disasters.”
They also encouraged the public to verify information using FEMA’s official “Hurricane Rumor Response” page.
This incident highlights the risks of spreading misinformation from satirical sources. It’s always essential to fact-check claims before believing or sharing them online.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.
+ There are no comments
Add yours