Gov. Cooper and FEMA Address Misinformation Post-Hurricane Helene

In Western North Carolina, following Hurricane Helene, Governor Roy Cooper and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell held a press conference to address the ongoing recovery efforts and combat misinformation regarding the government's response. The governor reported that 95 fatalities have been confirmed, with a task force actively searching for 92 individuals who remain unaccounted for. FEMA has approved assistance for 77,000 people, distributing nearly $100 million in aid and temporarily housing almost 5,000 individuals. Criswell highlighted the challenges posed by misinformation, which led to a temporary halt of door-to-door operations by FEMA agents due to safety concerns. A man from Rutherford County was arrested for making threats against FEMA, prompting the agency to prioritize the safety of its personnel. Despite these challenges, FEMA officials reaffirmed their commitment to assisting survivors and have resumed field operations. As recovery efforts continue, road closures have significantly decreased from 1,200 to 580, and 90% of cell coverage has been restored in the affected areas. The state is focused on ensuring that those in need receive the necessary support and assistance. The press conference underscored the importance of accurate information during disaster recovery and the resilience of both state officials and FEMA in the face of adversity. The commitment to helping the community remains strong, as officials work tirelessly to restore normalcy in the region.