Columbia’s Rumor Mill Turns Amid Congaree River Flooding
As rain fell heavily around Columbia, the city experienced significant flooding from the Congaree River following Hurricane Helene’s onslaught. Unfortunately, while the river level rose, so did a flood of misinformation swirling around in local communities.
False Alarms on Drinking Water
The buzz on social media took a wrong turn when rumors about the local water treatment plants began to circulate. The most alarming myth claimed that the city’s drinking water supply was in jeopardy, prompting people to dash for bottled water and fill their bathtubs.
One social media user even claimed, “Just got done filling my bathtubs up with water. City is out front flushing the fire hydrants. Water is nasty. Go get bottled water, guys!” Sounds scary, right? But what followed was a storm of concerned questions flooding the same forum, with residents seeking any water they could find as grocery shelves emptied.
A Lesson from the Past
This heightened anxiety could be partially rooted in the aftermath of the 2015 flooding disaster. Back then, a catastrophic rise in water caused damage to the Columbia canal, which is a critical supplier of drinking water. This led to a boil water advisory affecting nearly 400,000 customers. Given that past experience, you can’t blame people for being on high alert.
Setting the Record Straight
However, city officials were quick to clarify the situation this time around. Columbia Water director Clint Shealy made it clear, “The rumors couldn’t be further from the truth. Our water treatment plant was never at risk during the storm.” The city had learned from past experiences and was better prepared this time, as the flooding was not as severe.
Officials Step In
By September 30, as rumors spread like wildfire, city officials received a flurry of calls from worried residents. The urgency for correct information had officials scrambling to put out these fires. In response, the city ramped up social media posts to clear up any misunderstandings.
During a press conference, City Manager Teresa Wilson had to tackle the mishaps head-on, reading aloud some of the erroneous messages circulating online. One particularly baffling claim suggested evacuations were ongoing at the Congaree wastewater plant. Wilson didn’t hold back: “Falsity. There are no evacuations. I’m just reiterating it because it keeps coming.”
The Cost of Misinformation
Wilson voiced concerns regarding the impact of false information, stating it not only confuses citizens but also distracts officials from focusing on recovery efforts. “It wastes valuable time and resources on damage control,” she explained, expressing frustrations that the city could use to concentrate on returning everything to normal.
Anxiety at the Pump
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott even had to step in, urging residents to stay calm and act kindly towards each other, especially when it came to gas stations and making it through this tricky time. And while many were in a panic, Dominion Energy President Keller Kissam sought to shatter another rumor—that linemen were unavailable due to being dispatched to Florida. “We’ve never seen anybody off system,” he confirmed.
Why Do Rumors Spread?
Experts suggest that during crises, a lot of misunderstandings arise because of an “information void.” Darren Linvill, a social media disinformation expert, weighed in, explaining that misinformation tends to thrive in such environments, as people prefer to share something—even if it’s incorrect—over silence. “Social media is a giant game of telephone,” he emphasized. “It turns into panic very quickly.”
Reassuring the Public
As city leaders worked tirelessly to ensure residents knew the truth, Shealy addressed city council members with a light-hearted remark: “Our water is safe, we are providing service to our customers,” prompting some chuckles from the audience. It’s a good reminder that while storms may come and go, keeping lines of communication open, and addressing rumors head-on, remains key in keeping a community calm and informed.
In summary, during times of distress, misinformation can run rampant but officials are here to set the record straight. As Columbia bounces back from this natural occurrence, the city stands united, ready to face any challenges as they come and ensure everyone remains safe and water secure.
