FEMA Resumes Hurricane Relief in NC Amid Disinformation Threat \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Federal disaster personnel have resumed door-to-door recovery efforts in North Carolina after a brief suspension due to threats against FEMA workers. The threats, fueled by disinformation about the agency’s role in Hurricane Helene recovery, prompted officials to take precautions. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell assured the public that the agency remains committed to helping survivors, while North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper condemned the spread of false information, which he said undermines recovery efforts.
FEMA Resumes Recovery Efforts Amid Threats and Disinformation: Quick Looks
- FEMA back in action: FEMA personnel have resumed door-to-door visits in hurricane-hit areas of North Carolina after temporary safety measures were taken.
- Disinformation threat: False information on social media prompted threats against FEMA workers, leading to the arrest of one individual.
- Governor’s response: Gov. Roy Cooper condemned the spread of disinformation, urging people to stop sharing false rumors that hinder recovery efforts.
- Hurricane Helene devastation: The storm left millions without power, destroyed towns in Appalachia, and killed at least 246 people, marking it as the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina.
Deep Look
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel have resumed their door-to-door visits as part of hurricane recovery efforts in North Carolina, following a brief suspension caused by safety concerns. The halt in operations came after reports that FEMA workers could be targeted by armed individuals, driven by disinformation spreading online. The misinformation, which circulated on social media, falsely suggested that FEMA workers were part of a wider government conspiracy, sparking threats against the agency’s employees.
Over the weekend, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call reporting a man armed with an assault rifle who had made comments about possibly harming FEMA workers operating in the hard-hit areas of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, North Carolina. The man was arrested and charged with “going armed to the terror of the public,” a misdemeanor. Initial reports suggested that a group of armed militia members were involved in making threats, but further investigation revealed that the individual had acted alone.
In response to these developments, FEMA temporarily suspended field operations and took steps to protect its workers. “Out of an abundance of caution, we made some operational changes to keep our personnel safe,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said at a Tuesday briefing. However, by Monday, FEMA workers were back in the field, accompanied by Criswell, resuming their critical work of helping survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.
FEMA’s presence on the ground remains essential to aiding communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Criswell reassured the public that despite the threats, FEMA would not be deterred from its mission. “The federal family has been here working side by side with the state since Day One,” she said. “These are people who put their lives on hold to help those who have lost everything.”
Gov. Roy Cooper, addressing the situation alongside Criswell, strongly condemned the spread of disinformation, which has fueled confusion and anxiety in the aftermath of the storm. Cooper noted that rumors and false claims circulating online were not only demoralizing for FEMA workers but also hurting storm survivors in need of help. “There’s still a persistent and dangerous flow of misinformation about recovery efforts in western North Carolina,” Cooper said. “If you’re participating in spreading this stuff, stop it. Whatever your aim is, the people you are really hurting are those in western North Carolina who need help.”
The governor also directed the state’s Department of Public Safety to coordinate law enforcement assistance for FEMA and other responders to ensure their safety as they continue to operate in hurricane-affected areas. Officials acknowledged the difficulties of combating disinformation, with Cooper lamenting that they may never know how many people decided not to seek assistance because of the lies they heard online.
Misinformation Undermining Recovery Efforts
The misinformation circulating in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has taken various forms, all designed to create fear and uncertainty about the government’s response to the disaster. Some of the false claims included suggestions that FEMA relief funds had been diverted to immigrants, that those accepting federal aid could have their land seized, and that victims could only receive $750 in assistance. These rumors have been debunked by FEMA, but they continue to spread on social media, contributing to public distrust.
Former President Donald Trump and his allies have capitalized on the chaotic aftermath of the storm to further promote disinformation, particularly regarding the Biden administration’s response. Their claims, shared across various platforms, have falsely alleged that the administration was withholding vital resources from American citizens. Trump’s allies also falsely claimed that FEMA had halted trucks carrying supplies and that those seeking aid would be subject to government overreach. These assertions have been repeatedly refuted by federal and state officials.
Asked why such disinformation has gained traction, Gov. Cooper pointed to the increasingly polarized nature of social media and the political climate. “This is happening in the middle of an election where candidates are using people’s misery to sow chaos for their own political objectives — and it’s wrong,” Cooper said. “It’s disappointing when candidates, knowing full well what they’re doing, are continuing this kind of disinformation filled with lies.”
FEMA’s Ongoing Response to Hurricane Helene
In North Carolina, FEMA has been working closely with state and local agencies to provide disaster relief. The agency’s teams have been helping storm survivors apply for federal aid, including temporary housing, repairs, and financial assistance to cover essential needs. Despite the challenges posed by misinformation, FEMA continues to coordinate efforts to bring aid to the hardest-hit communities, many of which remain without power or access to clean water.
The agency’s response efforts have been critical in providing life-saving support to affected communities, but confusion about FEMA’s role has also created additional obstacles. As some residents question what FEMA can and cannot do, Criswell and Cooper reiterated the importance of ensuring accurate information reaches the public. They urged people to rely on official government sources for updates on recovery efforts.
FEMA has also faced challenges from logistical issues in delivering aid to remote and mountainous areas, where cellular service remains down, and infrastructure has been heavily damaged. Despite these obstacles, the agency has pledged to stay the course until all affected communities have received the assistance they need.
As recovery operations continue, North Carolina officials are hopeful that increased coordination between state law enforcement and FEMA personnel will mitigate the threat of further disruptions caused by misinformation and ensure that survivors receive the help they require.
