Volunteer pilots and relief organizers expressed their disappointment with the federal government’s handling of Hurricane Helene during a CNN interview on Sunday. They highlighted the absence of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and military assistance in North Carolina, which suffered severe damage from the storm in late September.
Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeast region of the United States after making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area on September 26. This powerful Category 4 hurricane wreaked havoc, causing extensive damage to Western North Carolina. The storm’s forceful impact resulted in the destruction of homes, the washing away of roads, and left millions of people without electricity.
The storm has claimed the lives of 227 people across six states, as reported by the Associated Press. Sadly, this number is expected to increase as relief efforts continue. The devastating impact of this hurricane makes it the deadliest to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
During an interview with CNN host Omar Jimenez on Sunday, the directors of two prominent volunteer relief organizations, Operation Airdrop and Operation Helo, provided a solemn account of the situation on the ground.
Doug Jackson, chairman of Operation Airdrop, found it difficult to put into words the devastation he witnessed in the region. He expressed his sorrow, saying, “Their homes have been completely destroyed. Everything they had is now gone, and what remains is all they have left. It’s truly heartbreaking for them. It’s challenging to describe the magnitude of the destruction; I have never witnessed anything like this before.”
The volunteer group utilizes airplanes and pilots to transport crucial supplies to individuals in remote and hard-to-reach areas. According to Jackson, the initiative has successfully completed 673 flights and delivered over 400,000 pounds of goods by air, as well as 700,000 pounds by truck, resulting in a total of nearly 1.2 million pounds of supplies from a single airport.
According to him, even after almost ten days since the hurricane struck, there is still no sign of FEMA, military, or any kind of assistance. He emphasized that the situation is dire, and they are desperately pleading for help.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure the survival of these individuals,” McSwain expressed passionately. He emphasized the urgent need for military assistance, stating, “We desperately require the presence of the military to take charge of this operation. We are ready to hand over the reins, but we need their help. We have exhausted all other options and are unsure of what else to do to secure the assistance we need.”
McSwain had a map displayed behind him, featuring nodes that indicated the positions of helicopters, landing zones, and the topography of the region. As he gestured towards the map, he remarked, “We have a close partnership with the military, and they are closely monitoring our operations. However, it’s puzzling that they haven’t actively participated so far.”
On Sunday afternoon, Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, announced that around 1,000 soldiers have been deployed to aid the residents and affected counties in Western North Carolina, which have been devastated by Hurricane Helene. These soldiers are collaborating closely with FEMA to distribute essential supplies to the local jurisdictions designated by FEMA, in close coordination with the officials from North Carolina.
Critics from both sides of the political spectrum have raised concerns about the federal government’s response to Helene, questioning whether the disaster relief organization is adequately assisting those in need.
On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, made an announcement that FEMA workers are currently going door-to-door in the affected areas. Their aim is to provide immediate relief money worth $750 to the residents. This amount is a crucial part of the broader initiative that aims to extend aid to those who have been impacted by the hurricane.
During that time, Harris stated that FEMA is offering additional financial support to assist individuals in managing home repairs, covering insurance deductibles, and covering hotel expenses.
Former President Donald Trump, the GOP’s presidential nominee, has expressed criticism towards the SSP, an initiative that assists local governments and nonprofits in providing support to migrants. However, both FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have refuted any claims that FEMA disaster relief funds have been allocated to this program.
According to a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) is an independent grant program that was established and funded by Congress. It is important to note that the SSP operates separately from FEMA’s disaster-related authorities and funding sources.
There have been claims circulating that FEMA lacks sufficient funds to aid those affected by Hurricane Helene. However, FEMA has publicly addressed and dismissed these rumors on its website, stating, “FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund is adequately funded to support the ongoing efforts for Hurricane Helene, and the agency possesses the necessary resources for immediate response and recovery initiatives.”
During a press conference on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas conveyed that although the agency is capable of responding to urgent requirements, it lacks the necessary funds to sustain operations throughout the season. Mayorkas specifically stated, “FEMA does not have the financial resources to endure the entirety of the season.”