COLUMBIA, SC – A Flood of Rumors and Realities
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, as the Congaree River overflowed its banks, Columbia has been battling not just rising waters, but a tide of misinformation. Residents may have felt a sense of déjà vu as rumors spread quickly on social media, claiming that the city’s drinking water supply was in jeopardy. With the city’s past flood experiences still fresh in people’s minds, it’s no wonder they felt the need to stock up on bottled water or even fill their bathtubs.
As the storm’s impact reached its peak on September 30, Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson was at a press conference, keeping the public informed amidst the chaos of rising water levels. While social media was buzzing with alarming claims, Wilson and other officials were working diligently to set the record straight. “It’s essential that we provide accurate information during such emergencies. The last thing we need is increased panic,” she noted.
Where Did These Rumors Come From?
The most prevalent rumor spread quickly from local Facebook groups, with one user exclaiming, “Just got done filling my bathtubs with water—city is out front flushing the fire hydrants. Water is nasty. Go get bottled water, guys!” Such messages triggered a rush in grocery stores, leaving shelves empty as people scrambled to feel safe.
But the reality could not be more different. Columbia Water director Clint Shealy assured residents, “Our water supply is safe and was never at risk during the storm.” It turns out, the city had learned valuable lessons from its experiences during the devastating floods of 2015, and was far more prepared this time around. Back then, Columbia faced significant issues when heavy rains damaged critical infrastructure, leading to boil water advisories for many. Fortunately, this time, things were under control.
City Officials Take Action
As the rumors continued to swirl, city officials took to social media to counter misinformation. They flooded (no pun intended) their platforms with factual updates, aiming to calm residents and keep them informed.
Justin Stevens, the city’s media relations director, expressed his frustration at being bogged down by unfounded rumors. “We should be focusing on recovery efforts rather than damage control for false claims,” he stated. In what felt like a game of telephone, the misinformation could spiral from ‘I heard this’ to ‘this is definitely fact.’ Such dynamics can make it hard to separate fact from fiction when nerves are high.
Community Response
Aside from addressing rumors about drinking water, city officials also had to clear up misconceptions surrounding the wastewater treatment plant. At the press conference, Wilson pointed out one circulating message stating, “I just got a text from a friend who works at the Congaree wastewater plant…and they just evacuated staff.” This, too, was promptly debunked. “Falsity,” Wilson emphasized, “There are no evacuations.”
Other local leaders chimed in, including Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, who reminded the community, “Panicking and fighting over resources isn’t going to help anyone.” It was moments like these that drew people closer together as they navigated through the uncertainty brought by both the storm and the misinformation.
The Importance of Accurate Information
Darren Linvill, a social media expert from Clemson University, shed light on how rumors spread during emergencies. He explained that individuals often prioritize any information over uncertainty, which can lead to quickly escalating fear. “We live in an age where social media is a giant game of telephone,” he added, encouraging vigilance in how we share and consume information.
As the floodwaters begin to recede, city leaders remain committed to ensuring residents are well-informed. Shealy’s humorous remarks at a council meeting, proclaiming, “Our water is safe, we are providing service to our customers,” while light-hearted, served to remind people to trust official communications over unchecked rumors.
As Columbia continues its recovery after Hurricane Helene, there’s an important lesson learned: in the midst of stormy weather, it’s vital to rely on verified information and communicate open and effectively. Only then can a community come together to weather any storm ahead.
