reSee.it - Related Video Feed

A woman named Suzanne has been volunteering in North Carolina after her home and business were washed away in a flood. She evacuated to a local school, which has become a supply center. According to Suzanne, despite claims that FEMA and the National Guard are present, the response has been driven by local efforts. Roads were cleared by locals with tractors and excavators, who then called in resources from across the state. Swift water rescue teams have come from other states like New Hampshire and Delaware. The aid is primarily from volunteer fire departments and first responder services, with minimal government assistance. Suzanne says the only federal presence was six National Guard members who helped sort supplies for four hours one day.

Lauren, a Black Mountain resident, describes the devastation in Swannanoa after Hurricane Helene and questions the lack of government assistance. Despite paying taxes since age 14, she feels $750 is insufficient aid. She notes the area doesn't typically require flood insurance due to its high elevation. Lauren highlights the absence of the military in the relief efforts, contrasting it with the presence of World Central Kitchen. Ten days post-storm, many are still missing and lack communication and water. She claims the news reports 300 deaths, but asserts that around 2,000 unidentified bodies are in bags, recovered by neighbors. Military personnel require personal leave to volunteer. Lauren expresses anger and frustration, emphasizing the community's reliance on volunteers and donations for basic needs. She says 30% of Swannanoa residents are still unaccounted for. Cadaver dogs, like Cholula from Ohio, are assisting, but not through government efforts. She hopes Florida receives better support during its impending hurricane.

I want to clarify that there are indeed tents and tent cities in Western North Carolina, particularly in Swannanoa. Claims that everything is fine and that FEMA is handling the situation are misleading. There are tents visible along the main road, and they are widespread. I’ll share a drone shot later to show this without compromising anyone's privacy. It’s frustrating to hear non-local reporters deny the existence of these tents when people here are in need of help. I'm heading to Fairview to check out a FEMA camp with trailers, which seems much better than the current conditions for those living in tents. FEMA needs to provide assistance to these individuals urgently.

Regarding Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Western North Carolina, a speaker reported that a shelter required stranded refugees to have flip-flops to shower, so 18,000 pairs were delivered. The speaker claimed FEMA wanted to confiscate a pallet of chainsaws meant for locals clearing blocked roads, so it was diverted. Another shipment was rerouted to a neglected senior apartment complex after being stopped for inventory. The speaker asserted neighbors are helping neighbors and criticized government agencies for hindering aid. While expressing gratitude for support from NYPD, fire departments, linemen, and emergency personnel from across the country, the speaker also criticized the government's small financial aid offering. They called for massive supply drops of water, ATVs, chainsaws, and fuel, stating that Western North Carolina will recover with or without government assistance.

Aileen Lancelai lost his mobile home in Spruce Pine, leaving him and his wife, Teresa, relying on community support to survive the winter. Local organizations, like Spruce Pines First Baptist Church, are providing temporary shelters, but many families still lack power. Donated trailers are arriving in Western North Carolina, while FEMA's response has been slow, with only one trailer reported. Many survivors face delays and denials in receiving aid, and FEMA has not addressed these issues directly. A recent congressional hearing highlighted the bureaucratic challenges disaster survivors encounter. As winter progresses, the urgency for assistance grows, with some families, like Paul and Teresa, having endured weeks in tents. The future remains uncertain for those affected.

People are reportedly being rejected by FEMA for aid, even after losing their homes and cars. The speaker expresses anger, stating that FEMA's aid is minimal anyway. They believe that those in power are worthless and don't care about the people. The speaker asserts that people must help themselves and each other. They call for unity and action to assist those affected and advocate for a reset. The speaker asks who agrees with them and who is ready to take action.

A person in Old Fort reports that FEMA condemned a house in an area hit badly by flooding. The residents were forced to leave the same day. This person says they are among the last remaining residents in the area, as others were bought out or forced out. Some people's belongings were thrown out. The speaker notes that a family had lived in their home for 14 years before it was condemned. FEMA is also condemning other trailers in the area. While the speaker was told they were "alright," other homes were severely damaged. One elderly woman had to be forcibly removed from her home because she did not want to leave. The speaker emphasizes that these are still people's homes that could potentially be fixed.

Volunteers are providing the majority of hurricane relief in the Swannanoa area, with some traveling from other states to assist. According to one speaker, this is happening 8 or 9 days post-hurricane. A speaker states that they had not seen a FEMA agent. One speaker reports that the first FEMA truck they saw arrived Thursday afternoon/evening, but it was parked without signage or information. According to the speakers, residents report that the only help they have received has been from private citizens and neighbors. One speaker claims that the only information they received about FEMA was an attempt to stop volunteer efforts, including a medical support trailer staffed by licensed doctors and nurses, because it was not federally controlled. One speaker states that they saw one FEMA helicopter. Another speaker states that today was the first FEMA delivery they had seen or heard of in the region.

An individual applied to FEMA for food replacement due to power outage and windshield damage from a fallen tree branch after Hurricane Milton and was denied. The applicant states that a neighbor in a wheelchair whose house was damaged also got denied. The applicant alleges that FEMA stopped a busload of supplies from "find, feed, and restore" intended for first responders, forcing them to return and confiscating half of their supplies. The applicant insists this is happening in Florida and is not misinformation, as they have witnessed these events and spoken directly with those affected. The applicant says FEMA did not contact them for additional information or to assess the damage before denying the claim.

Renting a bathroom costs $130 a month. Sarah hoped for a US Small Business Administration disaster loan but received a voicemail stating new loan offers are delayed due to a lack of congressional funding. This adds to the struggles of those living in tents and RVs as winter approaches, with temperatures dropping into the thirties. Many face challenges like keeping food fresh without power. Locals are frustrated with the disparity between their living conditions and a secure FEMA compound nearby. Volunteers highlight the lack of communication between FEMA, the county, and the state, complicating housing solutions. With colder temperatures approaching, there are concerns about hypothermia and the urgent need for assistance for those still in tents and RVs.

Regarding Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Western North Carolina, a speaker reported that a shelter wouldn't allow stranded refugees to shower without flip-flops, so 18,000 pairs were delivered. The speaker also claimed FEMA wanted to confiscate a pallet of chainsaws meant for locals clearing blocked roads, so it was diverted. A shipment meant for neglected seniors was also rerouted to avoid inventory delays. The speaker emphasized neighbors helping neighbors and circumventing government obstacles. While expressing gratitude for support from NYPD, fire departments, linemen, and emergency personnel, the speaker criticized government agencies for hindering aid. The speaker also stated that the announced financial aid was insufficient and called for massive supply drops of water, ATVs, chainsaws, and fuel, asserting that Western North Carolina will recover with or without government assistance.

We moved our vehicles as the floodwaters rose quickly. By the time we got out, the water was waist-deep, and we lost everything. My father and mother were trapped in their home as the flood lifted it and crashed it into our barn. We've been struggling with insurance and FEMA for assistance, but the process has been frustrating. Many in our community have faced similar issues, with some losing everything and receiving little help. One woman described how she and her son hiked to safety, witnessing devastation along the way. Despite the challenges, we are grateful to be alive and are determined to rebuild, relying on support from fellow citizens rather than government aid.

We're witnessing the devastation post-hurricane, 50 days later, and many are still waiting for FEMA assistance. Residents report minimal help from FEMA, with some relying on private donations for rebuilding efforts. One homeowner, facing eviction from a hotel, plans to live in a tent with her children. Volunteers, not FEMA, are assisting with cleanup and repairs, highlighting a lack of government support. The community is struggling financially, with many feeling abandoned by officials. There are reports of human remains being found in the area, raising concerns about the aftermath of the disaster. Local authorities have not responded to inquiries, leaving residents frustrated and in need of help. The situation underscores the importance of being prepared for emergencies, as many are left without essential support.

FEMA is preventing the placement of trailers in flood-prone areas, leaving many displaced residents without shelter. Despite outreach to government representatives, the situation remains dire. The floodplain has expanded significantly, making it impossible to place trailers on affected properties. Many people are living in tents, facing dangerous conditions. Volunteers have been delivering supplies, but FEMA has seized some of these efforts, complicating relief efforts. A former Marine highlights the community's resilience and the importance of government support. As Thanksgiving approaches, there's hope that more people will step up to help those in need.

A resident of Augusta, Georgia, recounts the aftermath of a storm and expresses frustration with the government's response, particularly Kamala Harris's message of immediate assistance. Despite Harris's suggestion to apply online for FEMA aid, many residents lack power and internet. The speaker applied to FEMA but was denied due to homeowner's insurance. The speaker criticizes the promised "$750 in immediate help," questioning its practicality given the extensive damage, including lost food and downed trees. They describe predatory contractors offering immediate tree removal services at high costs, such as $3,500 for crane rental plus hourly groundwork fees, requiring upfront payment with the promise of later insurance reimbursement. The speaker feels Harris's visit was insensitive and out of touch with the reality on the ground, where the scale of the devastation is overwhelming and immediate solutions are lacking.

FEMA is in Lake Lure and has confiscated the store previously mentioned. People are being forced to leave and remove their belongings quickly, or FEMA will take them. The tent was full as recently as Friday.

We're witnessing the aftermath of the hurricane 50 days later. Many residents express frustration over the lack of FEMA assistance. One homeowner, facing eviction from a hotel, is preparing to live in a tent with her children. Volunteers are helping with cleanup, but they rely on private donations, not government support. The community is still reeling from the storm's devastation, with reports of missing individuals and ongoing health hazards from sewage leaks. Residents feel abandoned by the government, questioning where the promised aid is. Amidst the chaos, volunteers are working tirelessly to assist those affected, but the bureaucratic response has been inadequate.

The speaker is in Boone, North Carolina, volunteering with canines for search and rescue efforts. They were told to avoid FEMA agents because FEMA is allegedly confiscating supplies. According to people associated with the speaker's volunteer group, FEMA is taking these supplies to sanctuary areas for illegal migrants while telling locals they have no money. The speaker claims to have witnessed similar behavior from FEMA in Puerto Rico during and after Hurricanes Maria and Irma, where the Coast Guard had to distribute supplies directly due to FEMA's actions. The speaker asserts that FEMA is doing the same thing in North Carolina. The speaker is heading to a different area via helicopter to search for missing families. They advise viewers not to donate to FEMA but to find legitimate people to donate through. The speaker states that FEMA is confiscating supplies and giving them to illegal migrants instead of the affected people. They plan to provide updates as they get them.

A North Carolina resident says that after Hurricane Helene, Asheville was "totally wiped out," and residents have not received FEMA's promised $750 relief. The speaker questions why funds are going to Ukraine and Israel while the local homeless population remains large and roads are in disrepair. Speaker 1 confirms visiting western North Carolina after the hurricane and witnessing the aftermath, including homeless people lacking necessities and unrecovered bodies. The speaker claims that when a similar question was posed to the White House press secretary, the response was that the question was disinformation. The speaker accuses the government of prioritizing other interests over Americans and labels the response a characteristic of dictatorships, where criticism is equated to treason. The speaker emphasizes the importance of free speech and holding the government accountable.

The speakers express distress over the devastating impact of recent flooding on their community, focusing on the plight of Meghan and Todd, owners of Atomic Furnishings, who lost their store, house, and car. Despite being featured on a Magnolia show and having a well-known business, they were denied FEMA assistance, car insurance, home insurance, and business insurance. The speakers highlight the inadequacy of government and insurance support, contrasting it with the help received from regular people through a GoFundMe campaign. They emphasize the widespread confusion and frustration with the FEMA application process, even for competent individuals like Meghan. The speakers urge viewers not to politicize the situation but to remember and support the affected community, including the artisans and employees displaced by the disaster. They stress the importance of collective effort in rebuilding the city.

A person in Western North Carolina reports rescue choppers are still flying overhead on day 6. They feel survivor's guilt because their town was spared, but a nearby town was completely wiped out, with everyone killed. The speaker claims the media is lying and people are being threatened with arrest if they try to help. They express disbelief that the government is preventing people from saving each other. The situation is described as beyond a nightmare, with bodies everywhere, possibly including displaced caskets from flooded cemeteries. The speaker asserts the only people providing aid are the survivors themselves. They express anger towards the government's response to the disaster.

FEMA told the speaker they can't get them a phone. The speaker has no ID or way to pay for food or gas and is stuck sleeping in a leaking car, wearing the same clothes since a 30-foot wall of water pushed through to Lake Lewer. The speaker's house washed away, and they lost their cat and two geckos. It was a miracle they made it. When the speaker called 911, they were told to get to higher ground as the waters came into the house. The 911 operator said they were overwhelmed with calls and could only advise getting to higher ground.

Does FEMA or North Carolina have funds available for those affected by recent disasters? Many in Western North Carolina report receiving little to no assistance. FEMA's aid often falls short, as seen with a resident receiving only $35,100 for an uninhabitable home. North Carolina offers buyouts based on pre-disaster property values, reimbursed by FEMA, but why can't homeowners receive similar support to stay in their homes? This situation undermines property rights and community ties. Homeowners are pressured to leave their communities, despite their desire to stay. With insurance payouts lacking, residents are left without options. It's crucial for North Carolinians to voice their concerns to legislators and demand that FEMA's influence be curtailed, allowing citizens to choose to remain in their homes.

FEMA denied assistance to families affected by a mudslide and house flooding. An elderly man's truck, his only vehicle, was buried in mud. FEMA turned down everyone in the area, providing no assistance. The government is not there for the people.

Following a Fox News interview, the speakers report widespread frustration regarding the lack of federal assistance after a disaster. Small businesses are allegedly caught between the Small Business Administration and FEMA, facing rejection from both and struggling to pay workers without tourist income. Locals are also reportedly being denied FEMA aid for expenses like generators and chainsaws, despite having submitted receipts. The speakers contrast this with COVID relief, where money was distributed without extensive applications. They express anger that neighbors and volunteers are the primary source of help, questioning why tax dollars aren't providing adequate disaster relief. FEMA's $20 billion budget is questioned, as neighbors are the ones clearing roads and removing trees. They claim Samaritan's Purse, not FEMA, aided a friend, and that FEMA is behind on flood zone mapping. The disaster's impact extends beyond river areas and Asheville, affecting people two hours away. World Central Kitchen is reportedly staying longer than in any other US city due to the lack of infrastructure and clean water. They urge disaster relief organizations to provide assistance, including dump trucks and chainsaws.