FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergrum gives an update on the backlash surrounding the federal government’s response to Hurricane Helen on “Evening Edit.”
Elon Musk on Friday slammed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claiming the agency is blocking shipments of Starlink satellite internet deliveries in hurricane-ravaged North Carolina. .
“FEMA is not only not adequately helping people in need, but actively blocking citizens who are trying to help!” the billionaire claimed in X.
Musk said he had just received a memo in Asheville from engineers at SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company. north carolinaHe said the company has “strengthened two large operational bases for helicopters to deliver goods. We have deployed more than 300 Starlinks, and we are hearing from people that we have saved many lives.” .
But Musk said FEMA is “actively blocking shipments, seizing goods and services on the ground, and locking people up because they claim they’re theirs.” “It’s very real and scary. We’re being blocked right now,” Musk said. You will have to wait until the new Starlink arrives, until the escort from the fire department arrives, but that may not be enough. ”
Hurricane Helen floods wash away North Carolina businesses
Elon Musk on Friday accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency of blocking Starlink satellite internet deliveries in hurricane-ravaged North Carolina. (Mark Piasecki/Getty Images | AP Photo/Jeff Amy/Getty Images)
He later shared a text exchange with the engineer in which he said FEMA was “trying to close down our airspace to ‘regulate’ Starlink and the civilian helicopters we fly on to deliver supplies.” ‘ he claimed. We are equally opposed to the Trump team. please help us. But it doesn’t look good. ”
FEMA categorically denied this claim in a response to FOX Business.
“Claims that FEMA is confiscating or seizing goods, supplies, or resources in North Carolina, Tennessee, or other Helen-affected states are false,” FEMA Director of Public Affairs Jaclyn Rotenberg said on FOX Business told. “FEMA continues to work with federal agencies, state and local partners in affected areas to effectively deliver lifesaving resources to the people and communities who need them most. As of October 3, , FEMA is deploying more than 11.5 million people’s Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE), more than 12.6 million liters of water, more than 400,000 tarps, and 150 power generators to areas affected by Helen. We will provide you with a machine. ”
As of late Friday, the death toll from Helen was 230, mostly in North Carolina and South Carolina, the worst hurricane-hit states since Katrina in 2005.
Elon Musk claims FEMA is blocking Starlink internet shipments. (Nicolas Cocobris/NurPhoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Musk slams FCC for ‘illegal’ increase in Starlink award, says it helped Hurricane Helen victims
Rosenberg added that Starlink units have been established in North Carolina and other states in response to Helen’s case.
“Connectivity is critical to disaster response,” he told FOX Business. “FEMA has successfully deployed Starlink in multiple disasters to support disaster operations, including disasters in Guam, Hawaii, and Alaska. Helped provide Starlink terminals to North Carolina, including critical lifeline locations. These units are assisting state and local governments with the Urban Search and Rescue and Disaster Coordination Unit’s response to Hurricane Helen. They have been dispatched to multiple states to support operations.”
Members of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force with dogs search the Swannanoa River in Asheville, North Carolina, for stores damaged by flooding from Hurricane Helen on Friday. (Tama Mario/Getty Images/Getty Images)
FEMA also directed FOX Business to its rumor response page, saying that rumors that the agency would turn away or stop vehicles loaded with donations or confiscate supplies are “all false” and that “rumors that spread after a disaster are “Often,” he said.
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“FEMA does not accept donations or food from survivors or volunteer organizations. Donations of food, water, and other items are handled by volunteer organizations that specialize in storing, sorting, cleaning, and distributing donated items.” The report said. “FEMA does not handle vehicle stops or road closures with armed guards; those are handled by local law enforcement.”
Starlink and Elon Musk did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ requests for comment.
