Disaster Recovery Efforts Resumed in NC Amid Misinformation Threats

North Carolina -- October 16, 2024: In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, federal disaster personnel have resumed

door- to-door visits in North Carolina to aid recovery efforts, following a temporary suspension caused by threats against workers. 

The threats, which have been fueled by disinformation circulating online, prompted state officials to condemn the spread of falsehoods and emphasize the importance of accurate information during the recovery process.

Over the weekend, reports surfaced suggesting that workers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could be targeted by militia groups as they carried out their duties. In response, authorities took swift action. A sheriff's office confirmed on Monday that one man was arrested during the investigation, but stressed that the suspect acted alone and was not part of any organized group.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper responded to the situation by directing the state's Department of Public Safety to coordinate law enforcement assistance for FEMA and other disaster recovery personnel. He stressed the harm that internet rumors were causing in the aftermath of the hurricane. "Misinformation is dangerous, especially during times of crisis," Cooper said. "These falsehoods could prevent people from seeking the help they need. We may never know how many victims of this storm won't apply for assistance because of bad information."

FEMA officials also condemned the spread of disinformation, noting that their top priority remains the safety of the public and their workers. "Our team is here to help the people of North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene, but disinformation and rumors put both the public and our responders at risk," a FEMA spokesperson stated. "We urge residents to rely on official sources for information and to report any suspicious activity."

The spread of false claims not only jeopardizes the safety of recovery workers but also undermines the confidence of hurricane victims in the recovery process. Gov. Cooper urged residents to seek verified information directly from government sources, including FEMA and local authorities, to avoid falling victim to disinformation. "The quicker we can dispel these rumors, the quicker we can get back to the business of helping people rebuild their lives," he said.

The governor's office also reassured residents that law enforcement would continue to provide support to ensure FEMA workers can safely perform their recovery work. FEMA confirmed that the agency would continue with door-to-door visits, as the threat level was being closely monitored in cooperation with state and local authorities.

As the recovery efforts proceed, both FEMA and state officials are working to prevent further harm from misinformation and to protect those impacted by the storm. Residents are encouraged to apply for assistance and report any threatening behavior to local law enforcement.

In the words of Gov. Cooper: "Our state has been through tough storms before, and we know how to rebuild together. The only thing that can slow us down is misinformation. Let’s work together, stay informed, and help each other through this."

WNCTimes

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