FEMA accused of blocking aid after Hurricane Helene. Shocking report from a SpaceX engineer

Texas Border Business

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Elon Musk has raised serious concerns about FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, accusing the agency of hindering private relief efforts. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Musk quoted a SpaceX engineer based in Asheville, NC, who described the challenges on site. Musk said FEMA has “actively blocked” shipments of Starlink units that are critical to restoring communications in the storm-ravaged area.

The engineer reported that SpaceX has successfully deployed over 300 Starlink units, allowing helicopters to deliver critical supplies to remote communities. “We powered two major operating bases for helicopters to deliver goods into hands, and the rain saved many lives,” the engineer wrote. However, the team faced obstacles as FEMA reportedly confiscated goods and local services and delayed the arrival of new Starlink units. According to the SpaceX report, further deliveries were postponed until an escort from local fire departments could be secured.

In response to the allegations, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reached out to X to refute claims that the FAA or FEMA were restricting flight operations in the affected areas. Buttigieg posted:

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Secretary Pete Buttigieg
@Secretary… • 1h
“No one is closing airspace and the FAA is not blocking legitimate rescue and recovery flights. If you encounter a problem, call me.”

Musk quickly responded by questioning Buttigieg's statement:

Elon Musk
@elonmusk • 23m
“There are hundreds of reports of FEMA/FAA blocking flights. This literally just happened. I will follow. Please DM me the number you want me to call.”

Despite the exchange, Musk expressed his continued frustration, stating:

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Elon Musk
@elonmusk • 7m
“I'm still waiting… the helicopter is trying to land to deliver essential supplies. What’s the number?”

This clash highlights the growing tension between federal agencies and private companies like SpaceX that are stepping in to support disaster relief efforts. While FEMA and Buttigieg have denied the allegations, Musk's team contends that bureaucratic hurdles are slowing grassroots efforts to restore communications and provide aid.

Hurricane Helene left North Carolina and surrounding areas in catastrophic condition. Floods swept through Asheville, claiming over 200 lives. It is one of the deadliest storms in recent history. Despite FEMA's claims of deploying millions of meals, water and critical resources, the challenges reported by Musk's team reflect a complex web of logistics, coordination and potential miscommunication that often hinders large-scale disaster relief efforts.

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