News

Edwards defends FEMA response after 'rocky start'

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 21, 2024

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards is defending FEMA's Hurricane Helene response, saying that after a "rocky start" FEMA aid specialists "are showing up for the people of Western North Carolina."

"After a rocky start to hurricane response, and amidst continued hiccups here and there, FEMA has more than 1,500 responders deployed across Western North Carolina dedicated to supporting our communities," the congressman said in a hurricane response update on Monday, the 24th he's issued. "Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists have been out and about across our district and helped register more than 6,900 survivors for Individual Assistance.

FEMA has also set up 14 Disaster Recovery Centers, he added, including one at 2111 Asheville Highway.

"Recovery Center staff have served more than 5,700 visitors and as a whole, FEMA has accepted more than 206,000 applications for assistance so far," he said. "FEMA’s response has been far from perfect, but the Disaster Survivor Assistance teams and Disaster Recovery Centers are showing up for the people of Western North Carolina. They are staffed by folk who want to help and are providing much-needed assistance to our mountains."