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Elon Musk has raised serious concerns over FEMA’s response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, accusing the agency of obstructing private efforts to provide aid. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Musk quoted a SpaceX engineer stationed in Asheville, NC, who described the challenges faced on the ground. According to Musk, FEMA has been “actively blocking” shipments of Starlink units, which are vital for restoring communication in the storm-ravaged area.
The engineer reported that SpaceX had successfully deployed over 300 Starlink units, enabling helicopters to deliver critical supplies to isolated communities. “We’ve powered up two large operating bases for choppers to deliver goods into hands, and the outpour has saved many lives,” the engineer wrote. However, the team faced obstacles, with FEMA allegedly seizing goods and local services and delaying the arrival of new Starlink units. According to the SpaceX report, further deliveries were being held up until they could secure an escort from local fire departments.
In response to the allegations, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took to X to refute claims that the FAA or FEMA was restricting flight operations in the affected areas. Buttigieg posted:
Secretary Pete Buttigieg
@Secretary… • 1h
“No one is shutting down the airspace, and the FAA doesn’t block legitimate rescue and recovery flights. If you’re encountering a problem, give me a call.”
Musk quickly responded, challenging 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 to call.”
Despite the exchange, Musk expressed ongoing frustration, stating:
Elon Musk
@elonmusk • 7m
“Still waiting … the helicopter is trying to land to deliver critical supplies. What’s the number to call?”
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 maintains that bureaucratic hurdles are slowing down grassroots efforts to restore communication and provide aid.
Hurricane Helene has left North Carolina and surrounding areas in dire condition, with floodwaters sweeping through Asheville and 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 hampers large-scale disaster responses.
