Hurricane Helene has left a trail of devastation across North Carolina, claiming over 200 lives and wiping out entire communities through flash flooding. The worst affected areas include Asheville, Chimney Rock, Swannanoa, and Biltmore Village. Residents are voicing their frustration with the government’s response to the disaster, which has been slow and inadequate.
Many residents feel abandoned by the government and are questioning the administration’s priorities. Asheville resident Jordan Lanning told Fox News that it took five days for President Joe Biden to visit the area, and he didn’t think they were worth coming down to see themselves. Vice President Kamala Harris received backlash for announcing just $750 in immediate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid for Helene victims, while her administration pledged another $8 billion to Ukraine.
FEMA has since released a “fact-check” stating that victims may receive other forms of assistance if they qualify. However, this has not satisfied locals who feel their president and the government have abandoned them in their time of need. North Carolina residents are coming together to help each other out and rebuild their communities as they struggle with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.