(news nation) — Misinformation is a hurdle Local residents are on the road to recovery as they work to rebuild a community destroyed by Hurricane Helen.
Some Republicans, including former President Trump, have spread false claims that Washington is intentionally withholding aid to people in Republican areas.
Meanwhile, many cities and towns in North Carolina remain cut off from aid and supplies after the hurricane. This includes power and cell phone service outages for more than a week after the storm hit the area.
Cleaning up the entire state could take years.
Helen killed over 227 people in six states. Hundreds more are still missing.
Helen's misinformation
False claims about the government's response to the hurricane are spreading, including unsubstantiated claims that the federal government is withholding aid. North Carolina newspapers have accused President Trump of helping to perpetuate these claims. He argued that President Biden's response to the hurricane was insufficient.
Officials on the ground are appealing to people, including politicians, to stop spreading misinformation that they say is making it more difficult for people to get help and deterring some from seeking help.
Here are some common claims:
Claim: FEMA does not assist with disasters.
reality: Biden approves federal disaster aid Six states begin providing federal assistance to survivors in designated areasflorida,georgia,north carolina,south carolina,tennesseeandvirginia.
Some local residents say they have not seen any Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel during the cleanup efforts. That's likely because FEMA works most directly with states, helping states coordinate aid to cities and counties.
CLAIM: FEMA is only distributing $750 in relief.
Reality: $750 support amount referred to Vice President Harris' remarks, made during a visit to hurricane-hit areas in Georgia, referred to special programs to address immediate needs such as groceries and baby formula.
This is not a maximum amount of assistance, and those whose homes were damaged or destroyed may be eligible for assistance well above that amount.
Claim: FEMA is underfunded because it was spent on immigrant assistance.
Reality: Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned that FEMA does not have enough funds to cover the remainder of the hurricane season unless Congress appropriates additional funding.
But he said there was enough money to cover the damage caused by Helen. The agency is It also became clear Funds for disaster relief are a separate pool from funds used for immigration assistance, and the two are not related to each other.
CLAIM: Chimney Rock, North Carolina, has been bulldozed and land seized.
Reality: The tourist town of Chimney Rock was virtually wiped out by Helen, when a massive flood washed away much of the town. After the destruction, rumors circulated online that the area was being bulldozed in order for the government to take over the land.
Rutherford County Employee Confirmed There are no plans or discussions for the federal, state, or local government to take over any land. They also pointed out that rumors about a special meeting being held are false and asked the public to stop spreading false information.
Other claims that FEMA is seizing land that is designed to be “uninhabitable” have also been proven false because FEMA does not have the authority to claim land.
CLAIM: Donations and volunteers are being refused.
Reality: Online, there was speculation that volunteers and donations were being turned away from the Blue Ridge Mountains, where most of the damage occurred.
Officials say no assistance has been denied, but warned people He urged people to be aware of scams and donate to established charities.
Many roads in the region remain severely damaged, with some roads closed for safety reasons or restricted to emergency vehicle traffic, making them impassable and dangerous for people to access. may be refused passage.
CLAIM: The Federal Aviation Administration has closed airspace over western North Carolina.
Reality: The skies over Western North Carolina are experiencing heavy traffic congestion after the disaster. NPR reported that air traffic increased by 300 percent and there were 30 crashes in which two planes nearly collided in midair.
FAA He said there were no airspace restrictions.is working to coordinate traffic for safety. Pilots are being asked to coordinate with emergency operations, and those unfamiliar with rescue and search-and-rescue operations may face delays.
How much damage did Helen do?
Taryn Turak of Girton, North Carolina, is one of those trying to come to terms with what Helen has washed away.
“This mountain has been in my family for 100 years,” Turlak said, standing in front of his home in the scenic area. “My children have a really fun life here.”
Turlak's house is still standing, but the damage is visible. She is currently living with a friend, but her three children will stay with their father until the power is back on. This could take many months.
“We spent many Christmases in this house,” she said. “I can't make more, but I'll never forget those memories.”
More than 900 people are staying in evacuation centers in North Carolina, including Gulf War veterans who spoke to NewsNation.
“You can't even really prepare. One day you have a bed and shelter, and the next minute all you have is the clothes you're wearing,” he said.
immediate needs
Downed power lines have left many people without power in the area, unable to refrigerate food or turn on air conditioners in near-80 degree temperatures.
It also means residents could be without heat next week, when temperatures are expected to drop to around 40 degrees.
By visiting, hurricane survivors can receive an advance payment to help with essential items such as food, water, formula, breastfeeding supplies, and other emergency supplies.disaster assistance.govcall 800-621-3362 orFEMA app.
Funds may also be available to repair damage to your home or personal property caused by the storm or to help you find a temporary place to stay.
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