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- FEMA administrator on disinformation after Hurricane Helene (newsbreak.com)
Hurricane Helene Recovery Impacted by Misinformation
Hurricane Helene devastated Green Mountain, North Carolina, leaving widespread damage and a long road to recovery. FEMA is coordinating aid, but the region faces a storm of disinformation.
False Claims Spread
Residents have reported false conspiracy theories, including that FEMA is seizing property and that the storm was engineered by the government. FEMA Administrator Robert Samaan says these claims hinder recovery efforts.
FEMA Debunks Rumors
FEMA has created a website to debunk false information. One rumor is that victims will only receive $750 in aid. Samaan explains that this is just initial assistance, and additional funds are available for home repairs and other needs.
Disinformation Combatted
Local officials and law enforcement have been fighting misinformation. The Rutherford Emergency Management Response Team refuted a claim that the town of Chimney Rock would be seized. A man was arrested for threatening FEMA workers.
FEMA Operations Resumed
FEMA temporarily paused door-to-door operations due to safety concerns, but has since resumed. Governor Roy Cooper has directed law enforcement assistance for FEMA workers.
Recovery Ongoing
FEMA has distributed over $100 million in disaster assistance and has opened 40 processing centers. The recovery process will take time, and FEMA emphasizes that infrastructure restoration is a priority.
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- FEMA administrator on disinformation after Hurricane Helene (newsbreak.com)