FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell addressed false claims and conspiracy theories about the agency’s response to Hurricane Helene. She emphasized the collaborative effort involving thousands of personnel on the ground and urged residents to accept government assistance. Misinformation about the government intentionally withholding aid to Republican areas and FEMA funding going to migrants or foreign wars has been circulating. Criswell debunked rumors and clarified that initial assistance provided by FEMA is meant to help residents with immediate expenses such as medicine and food.
As the death toll from Hurricane Helene continues to rise, FEMA has been working tirelessly to debunk rumors and provide accurate information about their response efforts. The agency has addressed claims that it will only provide limited financial support to disaster survivors and clarified that additional funding will be available to help with home repairs, lost personal items, and temporary housing. Criswell emphasized the importance of residents applying for assistance and reassured that FEMA will not seize property for non-payment of aid.
The cleanup and response efforts following Hurricane Helene are ongoing, with more than 130,000 customers in western North Carolina still without electricity. The state has mobilized thousands of local and state search-and-rescue team members, National Guard troops, and additional active-duty forces to assist in the recovery process. The military is providing crucial support with surveillance equipment and aircraft for wellness checks, medical care, and evacuations. Gov. Roy Cooper highlighted the destruction of water systems and the need for infrastructure restoration in affected communities.
In North Carolina, towns like Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are facing significant challenges in rebuilding after the storm. Lake Lure’s mayor, Carol Pritchett, emphasized the need for outside assistance due to the extensive damage to critical infrastructure like sewage systems and the lake. Without major infrastructure restoration, the town’s tourism industry, which is essential to its economy, cannot recover. South Carolina has also incurred significant costs from debris cleanup and infrastructure damage, with thousands of homes destroyed or damaged.
In Tennessee, where at least 12 people died from Hurricane Helene, Governor Bill Lee visited Bristol Motor Speedway to oversee donation collection and relief operations. The state is rallying together to support victims and help with recovery efforts. Meanwhile, schools in impacted areas are facing challenges in reopening due to transportation issues caused by road closures and damaged infrastructure. The region is coming together to provide support and assistance to those affected by the storm, highlighting the resilience and strength of the community in times of crisis.
