Federal disaster personnel have resumed door-to-door visits as part of their hurricane-recovery work in North Carolina after a temporary suspension due to threats. Reports emerged over the weekend indicating that workers with the Federal Emergency Management Agency could be targeted by militia as they respond to Hurricane Helene. One man was arrested during an investigation but was found to have acted alone. FEMA made operational changes to ensure personnel safety and resumed fieldwork on Monday, with disaster-assistance teams continuing to help survivors apply for aid.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper directed law enforcement assistance for FEMA and other responders and condemned the spread of rumors and misinformation that were hindering recovery efforts. Cooper highlighted the damaging effects of false information on individuals seeking assistance and urged those spreading misinformation to stop. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a man with an assault rifle making threats against FEMA employees in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas. The man was charged with a misdemeanor and acted alone, despite initial reports of involvement by a group.
FEMA has been facing widespread disinformation about its response to Hurricane Helene, which affected multiple states, including North Carolina. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper attributed the spread of misinformation to the extreme nature of social media and political agendas. Cooper criticized politicians, including former President Donald Trump and his allies, for using the aftermath of the storm to spread false information about the Biden administration’s response. False claims included misinformation about aid amounts, emergency response funds, and FEMA’s relief efforts.
Hurricane Helene caused significant destruction in Appalachia, leaving millions without power, disrupting communication services, and resulting in at least 246 deaths. Terrie Daughtry, a volunteer at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Asheville, expressed concerns about safety due to threats and misinformation. Despite the challenges, Daughtry, along with another volunteer, continued to provide support to individuals making FEMA claims by using therapy dogs to calm them. She recalled a touching moment where individuals waiting in line started singing together, demonstrating resilience and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Overall, despite the obstacles posed by threats and misinformation, volunteers like Terrie Daughtry have continued to provide support and assistance to individuals in need. The efforts of FEMA and other responders have been crucial in aiding the recovery process in North Carolina following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Governor Roy Cooper’s efforts to coordinate law enforcement assistance and address the spread of false information have been instrumental in ensuring that help reaches those who require it the most. The determination and resilience displayed by volunteers and survivors in the face of challenges underscore the strength of community spirit and solidarity in times of crisis. As recovery efforts continue, it is essential for accurate information to be disseminated to avoid further hindrances to the process.
