Threats cause ‘operational adjustments’ for FEMA’s Hurricane Helene relief efforts

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has made "operational adjustments" after reports of threats toward the agency's relief efforts have been made in recent days following a bevy of misinformation about FEMA's actions.

FEMA is responding to the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, among other disasters, in several southeastern states, including North Carolina and Florida .

Over the weekend, the Washington Post reported that FEMA officials in Rutherford County, North Carolina, were relocated over an "armed militia" threatening personnel. In Ashe County, North Carolina, the sheriff's office said in a statement Sunday that FEMA's response operations had been "paused" after "threats" had been made against officials in the "mountain region." The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday morning that offices would be open during normal hours for the rest of the week.

"Stay calm and steady during our recovery, help folks and don't stir the pot," the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook.

A FEMA spokesperson confirmed to the Washington Examiner that the agency had made "operational adjustments" to its disaster recovery efforts.

"FEMA continues to support communities impacted by Helene and help survivors apply for assistance. For the safety of our dedicated staff and the disaster survivors we are helping, FEMA has made some operational adjustments," the statement said. "Disaster Recovery Centers will continue to be open as scheduled, survivors continue to register for assistance, and we continue to help the people of North Carolina with their recovery."

The agency has had to combat significant misinformation being circulated about the agency's work on disaster relief and illegal immigration as more than 10,000 workers help with recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Officials are working from fixed locations rather than going door-to-door out of an abundance of caution, a person familiar with FEMA's operations said. Search and rescue operations continue to occur in the area.

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The agency has fought back against misinformation being spread, including false claims that disaster victims only receive $750 total for recovery and that disaster relief funds have been diverted to international causes or for border security. FEMA launched a website aimed at debunking and clarifying misleading notions about the agency and its response to the storms.

More information about FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene in Florida , Georgia , North Carolina , South Carolina , Tennessee , and Virginia and to Hurricane Milton in Florida is available on the agency's website.