The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has responded to online statements regarding its response to Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage in western North Carolina last month. In an update on October 3, FEMA addressed rumors about the agency’s funding and efforts to transport illegal immigrants into the United States. The agency clarified that it currently has enough money for immediate response and recovery needs and encouraged those affected by Helene to apply for disaster assistance. FEMA also stated that no funds were being diverted from federal disaster response efforts and dismissed claims of funding being used for international or border-related issues as false.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently called on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the Department of Homeland Security, and FEMA to redirect funds from illegal immigration resettlement towards hurricane-affected areas. Mayorkas had previously expressed concerns about FEMA’s lack of funds to sustain operations until the end of the Atlantic hurricane season on November 30.
Representative Jim Jordan accused the Biden-Harris administration of using over a billion dollars allocated for FEMA disaster relief to house illegal aliens instead of assisting American hurricane victims in several states. Representative Tim Burchett echoed this sentiment, calling FEMA’s actions treasonous.
Another circulating claim suggested that FEMA was requesting cash donations and turning away volunteers in North Carolina. However, FEMA clarified on its website that it does not ask for or generally accept cash donations or volunteers directly but encourages people to support reputable voluntary organizations with cash donations instead.
The American Red Cross also addressed allegations against them, stating that they do not confiscate donated items but focus on providing shelter, food, and relief after disasters. They work with community partners who are better equipped to handle physical donations.
it is important to note that Hurricane Helene resulted in a death toll of at least 215 people, making it the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
