Federal Officials Accused Of ‘Hindering’ Hurricane Relief

Canva / Hurricane / Disaster Relief Efforts / Shutterstock

Americans are reporting that the federal government is “hindering” relief for victims of Hurricane Helene through multiple channels, including purposefully stranding citizens within the zone of disaster, the Washington Stand reported in October.

Hurricane Helene “carved a 500-mile swath of destruction across Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, parts of Tennessee, and Virginia, with rural North Carolina” between Sept. 24 to Sept 29, the outlet described. Large numbers of volunteers and groups have gone into the disaster zone to support relief efforts, but many say their work is being stopped by federal officials. 

As the Washington Stand reports: “Helicopter pilot and volunteer firefighter Jordan Seidhom of South Carolina had been flying into western North Carolina with his son to deliver food and water to stranded hurricane victims. He began taking victims down the side of a mountain one at a time, leaving his son on the mountain so as not to put too much weight on the small chopper. However, on safely taking the first victim down, Seidhom was told by a local Lake Lure fire official that he could not rescue further victims. The official threatened Seidhom with arrest if he attempted to bring the second victim down the mountain. ‘I explained to him that I left my son on the side of the mountain, and I left another victim. I was going to go back and bring them, it was already set up for the landing spot and then I would get out of his area,” Seidhom said. ‘He told me I wasn’t going to go back up the mountain to get them, I was going to leave them there.'”

What Else Is Happening?

The following is a list of reports from the Hurricane Helene disaster zone on the actions of federal officials:

• Placed flight restrictions over disaster zone to stop other pilots from reaching stranded or injured civilians (Washington Stand)
• Threatened to fine and arrest those trying to offer help (“)
• Turned down aid, such as generators, food, water for victims (“)
• Ignored unincorporated areas in the relief effort (local reports)
• Confiscated donations (local reports)
• Refused to give victims food, water, or supplies without “approval” for assistance, which can only be obtained online (and has rejected multiple actual victims) (local reports)
• Given more money to other countries than victims of Helene (CNN)

Churches Fight Back

Anyone involved in the Hurricane Helene relief effort should focus their assistance in conjunction with churches, according to the outlet. “[I]f you donate, donate to a church or give to individuals. They can not take supplies from church[es]! Church members will make sure your donations get to the correct hands,” one local said, asking others to share this valuable information widely.

Videos shared online show a huge number of goods, services, and essential supplies being distributed by churches, nonprofits and other Christian groups throughout the disaster zone.

Pray for Helene’s Victims

Thousands of people are homeless, jobless, and missing family members since the Helene and her accompanying floods ripped through America’s southern landscape. “Folks, there’s no way to [sugarcoat] it. The situation in Western North Carolina is becoming more dire by the hour. Residents are still without power and do not readily have access to food and water. I am urging Governor Roy Cooper to send in more help immediately. We need to deploy more National Guard personnel, and surge additional Search and Rescue teams,” N.C.’s Republican Lieutenant Gov. Mark Robinson said Sunday (Sept. 29).

Elections Don’t End Tragedy

Like all of the biggest issues facing our great nation in 2024, the catastrophic floods and ongoing disaster throughout the South won’t suddenly disappear after the 2024 presidential election. Now is the time to use your voice to ensure these crises stay front of mind for all of your elected officials.

Our nation is at a crossroads, dealing with pivotal issues that directly impact your daily lives – from ensuring religious freedom, fair and secure elections, to fighting against inflation from foreign governments and groups, and advocating for secure borders. The strength of our community, the rights of our parents, and the protection of girls’ sports, life, and the economy are not just political issues; they are the fabric of our society. It’s time to take a stand against crime, reform our institutions, and ensure the prosperity and security of our nation.

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