Posts on X allege that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has halted all relief efforts and is confiscating supplies and donations for Hurricane Helen victims.

FEMA has suspended all relief efforts and is now collecting supplies and donations from citizens seeking to help Hurricane Helen victims in various states, raising alarm and anxiety.

📽 @ttavofficial pic.twitter.com/ZGJ0jXgeku

— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) October 3, 2024

Verdict: False

There is no evidence to support claims that FEMA has shut down operations or confiscated supplies. FEMA continues its large-scale disaster relief efforts, including ramping up assistance in states such as Georgia and Tennessee.

Fact check:

The death toll from Helen rose to 227 after recovery efforts continued in North Carolina and other affected states. Associated Press. Half of the deaths were due to flooding in North Carolina, the newspaper reported, with other deaths scattered across Georgia and other surrounding states.

The post claims that FEMA is halting relief efforts and confiscating supplies intended for Hurricane Helen victims. The post’s caption reads, “FEMA has suspended all relief efforts and is currently collecting supplies and donations from citizens in various states trying to help victims of Hurricane Helen, raising alarm and anxiety. There it is written.

However, this claim is false. FEMA remains at full capacity coordinating recovery efforts across multiple states affected by Hurricane Helen, including Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced On October 3, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. authorized Increases federal disaster assistance to Georgia. The President’s approval expands federal funding to 100% of eligible costs for debris removal and 90-day emergency protection measures, highlighting FEMA’s continued support.

Additionally, FEMA is actively encourage People applying for assistance. In Tennessee, homeowners and renters in eight counties affected by Tropical Storm Helen can apply for FEMA assistance. These counties include Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties. FEMA provides flexible funding for temporary lodging, home repairs, and other severe disaster-related needs, and the application process has been simplified to expand eligibility.

FEMA has set up multiple channels for survivors to apply for assistance. DisasterAssistance.govthe FEMA app, and a dedicated helpline at 800-621-3362. These actions underscore FEMA’s continued and active role in supporting affected communities.

This is not the first time disaster-related or community-related claims have been misrepresented online. Check Your Fact debunked misinformation posts that claimed to show videos of the aftermath of Hurricane Helen and posts about Haitian immigrants.