Spain Grapples with Deadly Floods and a Deluge of Disinformation
Spain is reeling from the aftermath of devastating floods that claimed over 200 lives, but the tragedy has been compounded by a torrent of online disinformation, hindering rescue efforts and eroding public trust. The deluge of false claims, ranging from inflated casualty numbers to accusations of government cover-ups, spread rapidly across social media platforms, echoing similar patterns seen during elections or international conflicts.
The Bonaire shopping centre in Aldaia, Valencia, became a focal point of the disinformation campaign. False reports circulated online, alleging that hundreds, even thousands, of bodies were trapped in the flooded underground car park. These claims were amplified by online personalities with millions of followers, TV hosts, and far-right activists. However, after the floodwaters receded, Spanish authorities, including the police and army, thoroughly searched the car park and categorically refuted these claims, confirming no bodies were found.
This incident highlights the wider problem of misinformation that plagued the disaster response. Fact-checking organizations like Maldita.es identified over 60 hoaxes related to the floods within a week of the disaster. The spread of these false narratives was exacerbated by a lack of timely official information, particularly regarding the number of missing persons. This information vacuum created fertile ground for speculation and conspiracy theories to thrive.
The deluge of false information not only fueled public anxiety but also hampered the work of emergency responders. José Miguel Basset, the head of the fire department in Valencia, stated that hoaxes about evacuations and dam breaks disrupted rescue operations and diverted resources. His pleas for responsible sharing of information went largely unheeded as the stream of false claims continued.
The spread of disinformation further eroded public trust in authorities and created a volatile atmosphere. This culminated in public displays of anger directed at Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, regional President Carlos Mazón, and even King Felipe and Queen Letizia during their visit to the affected areas. While public frustration is understandable in the face of such a tragedy, experts suggest that the intensity of the anger was fueled by the pervasive disinformation campaign. Activists argue that far-right groups actively stoked this anger, leveraging the tragedy for political gain.
Beyond the immediate aftermath of the floods, a new wave of disinformation emerged, falsely linking the disaster to the destruction of dams. This narrative, often originating from sources known for climate change denial, was quickly debunked by experts. Greenpeace Spain issued a statement emphasizing the link between the floods and climate change, warning that the proliferation of hoaxes can hinder crucial climate action and ultimately cost lives. The floods, Spain’s worst natural disaster in recent history, were likely exacerbated by climate change, with global warming estimated to have made the rainfall significantly heavier and more probable.
The proliferation of disinformation during the Spanish floods underscores the vulnerability of societies to misinformation during crises. The incident highlights the critical need for reliable information sources, robust fact-checking initiatives, and media literacy to combat the spread of harmful falsehoods, particularly during times of national emergency. The interplay of deliberate disinformation campaigns and unintentional misinformation, amplified by social media, created a chaotic information landscape that exacerbated the suffering caused by the natural disaster and undermined public trust in institutions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking and responsible information sharing in the digital age.