Generally speaking, Day #8 follows a recovery psychology filled with determination provided by the key focus on fellowship.  Many impacted families cut-off from their traditional supply resources are now finding hope amid strangers, angels and a very focused group of recovery workers.

Unfortunately, there are multiple reports of scant federal assistance now becoming excessive federal interference.  Many people now reporting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA is actively blocking efforts to deliver critical supplies.

Several people have asked me if I have ever experienced FEMA stopping me from my personal efforts to deliver supplies or blocked my transit into some of the most devastated areas during emergency response. The answer is no, I never have; however, the team I work with has never asked for permission.  That said, I do not doubt the reports.

Elon Musk has reported that people working on his relief missions have been blocked from rescue flights in the region.  Apparently, FEMA is trying to intercept “unapproved” transit by air, mostly helicopters, under the auspices of FAA flight authority.

I have never seen FEMA block private sector relief efforts before. Remember, emergency management responses are state issues.

It is the STATE that must grant FEMA the authority to operate (under an emergency declaration), not vice-versa. My gut reaction to these reports is that the real source of the problem is the North Carolina STATE government abdicating its responsibility to the FEDS. I might be wrong, but something tells me this is the core issue at hand.

There is an FAA operated, state controlled, regional airport in Asheville, North Carolina. If the state emergency response team has abdicated or stepped aside, deferring to FEMA, that might be the problem. I simply don’t know.

What I do know is that emergency rescue and relief flights can proceed despite FEMA efforts, simply by enlisting the assistance of the local Sheriff. The County Sheriff is the highest constitutional authority in any of the regions and they can challenge (literally arrest) any federal official who interferes in a county rescue operation.

Another way around any FEMA block of rescue and relief is simply to ignore them.  Don’t even tell them what you are doing and do it.  Perhaps people might better understand why CTH efforts, and my CERT team do not advertise or promote our entry/exit whenever we deploy.

The information provided by Spencer Smith on the Twitter platform generally aligns with common visibility:

Just got off the phone a Pastor in the midst of the flooding in TN/NC. He is in one of the most devastated locations. He verified a few things about the situation:

– Almost all help is being done by private citizens, mainly churches.
– Private helicopters are flying in the vast majority of the supplies.
– Local Sheriffs are telling people to feel free to defend their property from looters by whatever means they have.
– WROL (Without Rule of Law) is happening in some areas, which means looting, robbing, and etc.
– FEMA’s involvement has seriously complicated the rescue efforts.
– Local Sheriffs have threatened to arrest FEMA workers if they hinder rescue and aid work.
– The response to this tragedy has been massive and overwhelming. All from private individuals and local Churches.

This report reflects what I would expect to see/hear if the statements from others are accurate. Notice the importance of Sheriffs according to the pastor who is providing the information. That simply tracks accurate!

This is what residents were faced with in Chimney Rock:

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There are many private sector resources now beginning to reach the area by helicopter, truck, ATV, mule pack as well as the old standby, Pete and Sam. Pete is the left foot, Sam is the right foot, used together they walk.

Samaritans Purse is one of the largest relief efforts underway. Franklin Graham and his family are now leading the effort. Samaritans Purse is headquartered right in the middle of the impact zone, Boone – North Carolina. As we say in the South, “this is the Graham families stomping grounds.”

Most of the people within the most damaged impact zone, have not had electricity for a week. Today, is day #8. Resupplying these people with immediate needs, food, water, fuel and communication services, should be mission focus #1. The Starlink system can be a critical component to assist with communication, but it needs a power supply (electric, gas generator or solar).

If you are in the impact zone, and you are safe and stable, let us know how y’all are doing. Also, use this comment section to update on any areas of concern that might be identified in your specific area.

Dear Lord, You say in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

Today we turn to You as our strength.  Help us to fill our hearts with fuel so that we may be a source of Your true hope for all.  We ask Your will to renew and restore us.

When we feel we are near our end, when we are weary, tired, or heavily burdened, give us firm reliance in You.  Strengthen our bodies and our spirit in the way that only You can provide. We thank You for the ways You provide providence each day.

Heavenly father, cleanse our eyes and souls. Give us the vision to see Your perspective in all things.

In our time of despair, we turn to You.  When the moments feel hard or taxing, we turn to You.  Seed our minds and hearts with the reminder that You are beside us. We are never forsaken; You are with us.

We pray for strength in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 ~ Amen

Posted in FEMA, Hurricane Helene, Uncategorized
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