In the wake of Hurricane Helene's destruction down south, rumors have emerged that frustrated locals had physically attacked a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) director. According to The People's Voice, the director was acting arrogant and denied the help needed to flood victims. The incident reportedly took place in Asheville, North Carolina.
There is no official report of the incident at the time of writing. However, a video has been circulating on X, posted on October 5, that seemingly depicts an instance of violence against what looks to be a woman. The caption read:
"Reports that a FEMA director who was acting arrogant and denying aid to #NorthCarolina flood victims was BEATEN by local residents. The incident occurred 20 miles south of #Asheville."
However, a follow-up tweet clarified that the video was only added "for effect," it originally came from an April 2023 YouTube video of a brawl between a security guard and a woman.
FEMA shuts down all rumors in a statement on their website
According to News Nation, Republicans are under the assumption that the money intended for flood relief instead went to illegal migrants, thereby abandoning those in areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. However, the organization stated on its website that it refuted said claims. It reads:
"No money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA’s disaster response efforts and individual assistance is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts."
The organization also addressed other rumors that claim aid is provided based on demographic characteristics and that they are no longer accepting applications for housing assistance. The website notes that both rumors are untrue. Furthermore, it was pointed out that they are not asking for funds and are not turning away volunteers.
"FEMA does not ask for or generally accept any cash donations or volunteers for disaster response. We do encourage people who want to help to volunteer with or donate cash to reputable voluntary or charitable organizations. After a disaster, cash is often the best way to help as it provides the greatest flexibility for these reputable organizations working on the ground to purchase exactly what is needed. If you encounter someone claiming to represent FEMA and asking for donations, be careful as that is likely a scam. Government employees will never solicit money."
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According to News Nation, search and rescue efforts are ongoing in the impacted areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Several first responders, volunteers, National Guard soldiers, and active-duty military have been deployed for the mission.
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