FEMA Chief Continues Countering False Claims About Helene Response

As Hurricane Milton threatens, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continued to push back on false claims pertaining to its response to Hurricane Helene.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on Monday highlighted the agency’s expansive and growing collaborative efforts, urging residents in the hardest-hit areas to take advantage of the government’s assistance programs.

“We have thousands of people on the ground, not just federal, but also our volunteers in the private sector,” Criswell said while speaking at a news conference in North Carolina. “And frankly, that type of rhetoric is demoralizing to our staff that have left their families to come here and help the people of North Carolina. And we will be here as long as they’re needed.”

In the wake of Helene, misinformation has circulated in the ravaged communities, including false claims that the federal government is deliberately withholding aid from Republican areas. Presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump and other Republicans have criticized FEMA’s response, saying without evidence that the agency’s disaster relief funding is being diverted to migrants or foreign conflicts.

Since Helene, FEMA has used portions of its website to combat misinformation and to address rumors on the storm and the agency’s response to it.

On Friday, FEMA issued a statement debunking rumors that it would only provide $750 to disaster survivors. Criswell clarified that the initial payment is intended to cover immediate needs, such as food and medicine. She emphasized that additional funds would be available to reimburse residents for home repairs, personal losses and temporary housing, including rental units and hotel stays.

“But I can’t give it to them if they don’t apply,” Criswell said while speaking about the payments. “And if people are afraid to apply, then it is hurting them.”

During the news conference, Criswell was asked about claims that FEMA would push to seize the assets of recipients who did not pay the $750 back, which she called “absolutely false.”

Recovery efforts continued Monday in the wake of the storm that killed at least 230 people, as Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm. Milton is heading toward Florida, targeting the same region devastated by Helene less than two weeks ago.

According to data from Poweroutage.us, there are more than 100,000 customers in North Carolina still without power due to Helene’s wrath. In the Tar Heel State, more than 1,600 local and state search-and-rescue personnel have been deployed, along with an additional 1,700 members of the state National Guard, according to Governor Roy Cooper’s office.

The Pentagon announced Monday that 500 more active-duty troops have been deployed to North Carolina, bringing the total number to around 1,500. Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder said the incoming forces are equipped with advanced surveillance technology, which will help officials gain a clearer view of the region’s conditions.

Air Force General Gregory Guillot, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, said military search-and-rescue aircraft were conducting 10-hour sorties to provide wellness checks, medical assistance and evacuations. He described the operation as the military’s “most important and honorable mission,” emphasizing their role in helping fellow citizens.

This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.