(NewsNation) — Misinformation has become a hurdle on the path to recovery as locals work to rebuild the communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Some Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, are spreading false claims Washington is intentionally withholding aid to people in Republican areas.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper pushed back against claims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been absent from hard-hit areas, calling such assertions “misinformed or intentionally providing misinformation.”
“We have thousands of local, state and federal officials who are working in North Carolina and who are making sure that people have what they need,” Cooper said, noting that airdrops are being conducted to reach isolated communities.
Meanwhile, many cities and towns across North Carolina remain cut off from help and supplies after the hurricane. That includes no power or cell service more than a week after the storm tore through the region.
On-the-ground reports from Swannanoa, outside Asheville, paint a different picture. A volunteer operation led by former military personnel has conducted approximately 70 helicopter missions in a single day, delivering supplies to devastated areas that one organizer described as resembling a “war zone.”
Adam Smith, a former Green Beret coordinating the volunteer effort, characterized the federal response as “incompetent” with “limited to no personnel.”
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell expressed concern that misinformation is deterring affected residents from seeking available federal aid. “People are afraid to apply for our assistance,” Criswell said, addressing rumors that FEMA would seize homes from aid recipients. “Absolutely false.”
The spread of misinformation has alarmed lawmakers from both parties, who worry residents may not access crucial aid for food and basic necessities.
Local volunteers have established a round-the-clock operation center in Swannanoa, where they’re coordinating supply deliveries to communities still reeling from the hurricane’s impact. Volunteer crews report seeing extensive damage, including homes destroyed and vehicles displaced into trees.
“People don’t care what’s going to happen two weeks from now when they’re starving,” said Aaron Switzer, a retired Special Forces member assisting with relief efforts. “They need food. They need water, they need warmth.”
Cleanup across the state could take years.
Helene killed more than 227 people across six states. Hundreds more are unaccounted for.
Helene misinformation
False claims are spreading about the government’s response to the hurricane, including baseless allegations the federal government is withholding aid. North Carolina’s newspapers have criticized Trump for his part in perpetuating those claims. He has called President Joe Biden’s administration’s response to the hurricane inadequate.
On Monday, Biden spoke with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to get a report on recovery efforts for the hurricane and preparations for Hurricane Milton.
He asked both to call him directly if anything can be done to further support response and recovery efforts.
Officials on the ground have pleaded with people, including politicians, to stop spreading false information that they say is making it more difficult to assist people and discouraging some people from asking for help.
Here are some of the common claims:
Claim: FEMA isn’t helping with the disaster.
Reality: Biden approved federal disaster assistance in six states, opening up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Some locals say they haven’t seen the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during cleanup efforts. That’s likely because FEMA works most directly with the state, which then helps coordinate aid to cities and counties.
Claim: FEMA is only handing out $750 in relief.
Reality: The $750 assistance amount referenced by Vice President Kamala Harris when she visited hurricane-damaged parts of Georgia refers to a specific program for immediate needs like groceries and baby formula.
It is not the maximum amount of assistance, and those whose homes were damaged or destroyed are eligible for aid much higher than that dollar amount.
Claim: FEMA is out of money because it was spent on immigrant assistance.
Reality: Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned that FEMA does not have enough funds to cover the rest of hurricane season unless Congress appropriates additional money.
However, he has said there are sufficient funds to cover damage from Helene. The agency has also clarified that money for disaster relief is a separate pool from funds used for migrant assistance, and the two have no bearing on each other.
Claim: Chimney Rock, North Carolina, is being bulldozed and the land seized.
Reality: The tourist town of Chimney Rock was virtually wiped out by Helene, with massive flooding washing away large portions of the town. After the destruction, rumors circulated online that the area was being bulldozed so the government could seize the land.
Rutherford County officials have confirmed there are no plans or discussions around federal, state or local governments seizing the land. They also noted that rumors of a special meeting were incorrect and asked people to stop spreading the misinformation.
Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards also issued a press release debunking misinformation being circulated on social media, specifically noting efforts to rescue people and recover those who died in the storm are ongoing in Chimney Rock, and the area has not been bulldozed over or abandoned.
Other claims that FEMA is seizing land that is designed as “unlivable” have also been debunked, as the agency has no authority to claim land.
Claim: Donations and volunteers are being turned away.
Reality: Online, people have suggested that volunteers or donations are being turned away from the Blue Ridge Mountains, where most of the damage occurred.
Officials have stated that no assistance is being rejected, though they have warned people to beware of scams and suggested people donate to established charities.
Many roads in the area are still severely damaged, and some are closed for safety concerns or limited to emergency vehicles, which could result in people being turned away because roads are impassable and dangerous.
Claim: The Federal Aviation Administration has closed the airspace over western North Carolina.
Reality: The airspace over western North Carolina has been subject to heavy traffic following the disaster. NPR reported a 300% increase in air traffic and 30 near collisions where two aircraft nearly collided in the air.
The FAA said there are no airspace restrictions, and it is working to coordinate traffic for safety. Pilots are urged to coordinate with emergency efforts, and those who are not known to relief or search-and-rescue operations could face delays.
How much damage did Helene cause?
Gerton, North Carolina, resident Tarin Truluck is among those coming to terms with what Helene washed away.
“This mountain has been in my family for 100 years,” Truluck said, standing in front of her home on an otherwise scenic plot of land. “My kids have had a really good life here.”
Truluck’s house is still standing, but the damage is visible. She’s now living with a friend while her three children stay with their dad until they have power — a task that could take months.
“I’ve had a lot of Christmases in this house,” she said. “I can’t make more, but I will never forget those memories.”
More than 900 people are staying in shelters in North Carolina, including a Gulf War veteran who spoke with NewsNation.
“You can’t even really prepare for it, because one day, you’ve got a bed and shelter, and the next moment, you ain’t got nothing but the clothes on your back,” he said.
Immediate needs
Mangled power lines have left swaths of people in the region without power, meaning they can’t refrigerate their food or turn on the air conditioning in the near 80-degree weather.
It also means residents may be without heat next week when temperatures are expected to drop to about 40 degrees.
Hurricane survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App.
Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.