Hurricane Helene Survivor Advocates for FEMA’s Elimination Amid…

Mona Roper, a Hurricane Helene survivor, calls for FEMA’s elimination six months following the storm’s devastation in western North Carolina. This plea aligns with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s proposal to restructure disaster relief. Roper’s criticism revolves around FEMA’s inadequate support and challenges faced in recovery, highlighting ongoing frustrations within affected communities.

Mona Roper, a survivor of Hurricane Helene, has called for the elimination of FEMA, the agency intended to provide disaster relief, following significant devastation in western North Carolina six months post-storm. This call came amid a proposal by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, which suggests a major restructuring of disaster assistance, including the removal of FEMA, a plan previously criticized by Republicans.

Roper expressed optimism about Noem’s approach during an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” stating, “She sounds very promising. It would be great to see changes.” However, she criticized FEMA’s effectiveness, noting her personal struggle to receive aid, “I don’t think the system is capable of being revamped.”

Reflecting on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck the Southeast, Roper lamented that while organizations like Samaritan’s Purse have been helpful, FEMA’s response has been inadequate. She explained, “There’s still a lot of people lacking FEMA’s support,” stressing that many in the community are still grappling with recovery. Roper highlighted the difference in damage caused by hurricanes in mountainous regions versus coastal areas, stating, “The North Carolina damage for the storm is severe.”

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell defended the agency’s efforts in the region, asserting their presence and commitment to recovery following the disaster. Roper’s personal account underscored frustrations with the system, revealing that, despite the severity of the damage, she has not received any financial assistance: “I’m just sort of in a loophole… that I’m getting no assistance from.” Her comments reflect a broader sentiment among her community as they seek adequate support to recover from the storm.

Mona Roper’s advocacy for the elimination of FEMA stems from her experiences as a Hurricane Helene survivor, highlighting perceived deficiencies in disaster relief efforts. While some are hopeful for changes in disaster assistance management, many affected communities continue to struggle with inadequate support. As they navigate the aftermath of the storm, it is clear that significant challenges remain in ensuring timely and effective aid for disaster victims.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com