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Hurricane Milton: Destruction, politics, and misinformation

Devastating storms in the south-eastern US are hijacking the election narrative.

Hurricane Milton has left millions of homes across Florida without power, less than a fortnight after hurricane Helene ravaged states across the south-eastern US. Misinformation surrounding both storms has become rife online, including the false narrative that the government is manipulating the weather ahead of November's election. Further debunked allegations that recovery funds were redirected towards illegal migrants have been adopted by mainstream Republicans, causing widespread political fallout, even as a bipartisan recovery effort continues.

On this episode, Azadeh Moshiri is joined by our correspondent in the US, Tom Bateman, and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Verify reporter, Marco Silva. They discuss what's happening both on the ground and online, and consider how these events could influence the presidential election. Additional reporting comes from Elizabeth Rizzini.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Producers: Laurie Kalus, Alix Pickles, and Mariana Hernandez-Carillo

Sound engineer: Mike Regaard

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

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25 minutes

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