Candler, North Carolina – On October 6, 2024, social media user Michelle Maxwell ignited a viral frenzy after posting an unverified claim about 200 people being found alive in a local church following the devastating Hurricane Helene.
Her now-debunked tweet quickly garnered over 744,200 views, spreading hope across social platforms but ultimately leading to widespread misinformation.
In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Maxwell described the discovery as a "miracle," stating, "200 people found all alive after six days of no contact in a Candler church!"
While the claim generated significant traction, it was soon refuted by local authorities and residents.
Candler, a small community in North Carolina, was not as severely affected by the hurricane as suggested.
Resident Sarah Reams voiced her frustration online, asserting, "I don’t think Candler even has a church that could hold 200 people, much less 2,000."
The rumor continued to circulate despite these corrections, fueled by additional false claims such as requests for relief donations.
This incident underscores the dangers of misinformation during crises, reminding the public to verify news before sharing.