The federal response to Hurricane Helene has been met with widespread praise from both local officials and responders, despite significant misinformation circulating online. Claims suggesting that FEMA and the National Guard have been slow or ineffective, or that they lack funding due to White House immigration policies, are entirely false. Several key facts, supported by government officials and eyewitnesses on the ground, debunk these baseless assertions.
FEMA and the Department of Defense (DoD) began deploying resources almost immediately after the storm. Over 6,000 National Guard members from 12 states were quickly mobilized to help with debris removal, search and rescue, and the movement of supplies. DoD resources included 22 helicopters and high-water vehicles, which were critical for accessing isolated regions for rescue operations.
In less than a week after the storm, most electricity had been restored to impacted areas, with power crews working around the clock to reconnect communities. Essential services like water and waste systems have also seen a rapid recovery, with more than 85% of households regaining access to clean water and functioning sewage. This progress is largely due to coordinated efforts between FEMA, state officials, and private utility companies, which have deployed thousands of workers and resources to address critical infrastructure needs. In addition, the long lines are now coming to an end with markets and gas stations being resupplied, even accepting debit and credit cards again, thanks to restored communication networks.
Transportation systems have also seen substantial improvements. By day six, 70% of major highways that were damaged by flooding or debris have been cleared and reopened, allowing for better access to remote communities. The Army Corps of Engineers has been instrumental in this recovery, helping to clear debris and restore bridges in areas that were heavily affected. Residents in most urban areas have reported a return to normal postal services and grocery deliveries, a sign that logistical challenges are being effectively managed.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper was among those who praised the response, noting the “quick approval” of a major disaster declaration by President Biden. Cooper emphasized that “every resource available” had been committed to the recovery efforts, further stating, “We’re grateful for the quick actions and close communications that we have had with the president and with the FEMA teams”.
One of the most pervasive false claims is that FEMA does not have sufficient funding due to immigration-related budget cuts. This has been debunked by multiple credible sources. The Federal budget for disaster relief was unaffected by immigration policies, and officials, including South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, have called the federal response “superb.” McMaster added, “The federal response has been outstanding, and FEMA is providing essential supplies and services to help our communities recover.”
Other misinformation, that FEMA is turning away helicopters or preventing supplies from reaching victims, was also proven false. According to a report from WCNC, the government has delivered over 1.8 million meals and 2.5 million liters of water to affected areas, with no credible evidence of any helicopters being turned away.
Air Force Major General Robert Davis, overseeing the military response in North Carolina, highlighted the strong partnership Federal officials, stating that the deployment of soldiers and helicopters “stabilized critical lifelines and essential services”.
North Carolina State Senator Kevin Corbin also stepped in to dispel misinformation, calling rumors about a failed response “conspiracy theory junk.” He urged the public to trust the facts and acknowledge that “FEMA is here. The National Guard is here in large numbers.”
On the ground, first responders and local officials have corroborated these factual assessments of the federal response. In North Carolina, Charlotte’s WBTV interviewed several officials and residents, who echoed Governor Cooper’s sentiments. They noted that FEMA had been extremely proactive in delivering tarps, water, and meals, and that the National Guard had been instrumental in reaching communities cut off by floodwaters. Videos showed military vehicles driving through submerged streets to deliver vital supplies, along with helicopters actively airdropping supplies in areas inaccessible via more conventional means.
A reporter from WCNC verified much of this, showing footage of federal helicopters airlifting supplies to isolated areas and speaking with residents who had been evacuated by Federal officials. One woman interviewed, who had been stranded in a flooded house, said, “FEMA came through for us. I don’t know what we would have done without them.”
Ham radio operators in affected areas have also confirmed the swift response, reporting clear communication and coordination between FEMA and local emergency services.
Despite these facts, certain media figures have misrepresented the federal response. Far right-wing outlets have referred to the disaster response as “Kamala’s Katrina,” a grossly inaccurate comparison. These outlets falsely claimed that federal troops were sitting idle, waiting for orders. Yet, countless interviews with military personnel and local authorities completely debunk these claims.
The misinformation circulating about FEMA’s handling of Hurricane Helene is not only misleading but dangerous. The facts show that federal agencies and military forces have been working tirelessly to aid affected communities. Eyewitness reports, official statements, and video evidence all confirm that the response has been robust and life-saving. Trustworthy information is crucial during such crises, and the claims attempting to discredit FEMA’s efforts are not supported by reality.