Nearly 65,000 residents of Rutherford County, North Carolina, are struggling to clear mud and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene. However, help has hit a roadblock after Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) crews were forced to relocate due to an armed threat against workers. The threat was reported by The Washington Post and involved armed militia claiming to be “hunting FEMA.” As a result of this threat, FEMA has altered its disaster assistance teams to be stationed at fixed locations instead of going door-to-door. Despite the threat, FEMA continues to support the impacted communities and assist survivors in applying for aid.
Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26 near Perry, Florida as a Category 4 storm, affecting six states and resulting in over 225 deaths, with most casualties in North Carolina. The aftermath of the hurricane has left many communities devastated, with residents struggling to recover and receive necessary assistance. In response to the armed threats against workers, FEMA has made operational adjustments to ensure the safety of its staff and the survivors they are helping. Disaster Recovery Centers are still open and assisting survivors in registering for aid, as recovery efforts continue in North Carolina.
The North Carolina National Guard has stated that they have not encountered any armed militia or threats while providing assistance in the affected counties. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a man with an assault rifle making threats against FEMA employees involved in recovery efforts in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. The suspect, William Parsons, was arrested and charged with going armed to the terror of the public. Other false claims and conspiracy theories have emerged online, prompting FEMA to create a page discrediting rumors and misinformation about their response to Hurricane Helene.
Former President Donald Trump has spread misinformation regarding FEMA aid for hurricane victims, falsely claiming the money was diverted to migrants. In response to these false claims, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the importance of accurate information to ensure those in need receive the assistance they are entitled to. President Biden also addressed false claims made by some Republican politicians, including the conspiracy theory that the government can control the weather. Biden visited Florida to tour storm damage after Hurricane Milton and announced $600 million in aid for areas impacted by both Helene and Milton.
Despite the challenges and threats faced by FEMA workers in assisting communities affected by Hurricane Helene, recovery efforts continue in North Carolina and other impacted areas. The safety of staff and survivors remains a top priority for FEMA, and operational adjustments have been made to ensure the continuation of aid distribution and support services. The response to the hurricane and its aftermath highlights the need for accurate information and cooperation to address the needs of those affected by natural disasters, as well as the importance of addressing and dispelling false claims and conspiracy theories that may hinder recovery efforts.
