Elon Musk called out Biden-Harris’ FEMA fiercely, accusing the federal agency of actively obstructing humanitarian efforts in the wake of the widespread devastation in North Carolina.
In several explosive posts on X, the angry billionaire CEO said that SpaceX engineers, who are on the ground providing communication and essential supplies through Starlink technology, were blocked by FEMA from sending rescue resources to victims in Asheville and the surrounding area.
According to Musk, SpaceX has created two large operating bases for helicopters to deliver goods into the hands of those in dire need.
They have installed more than 300 Starlink terminals, which are vital in restoring communications for disaster-affected communities. But instead of support, Musk claimed FEMA was nothing more than a blocker.
Musk wrote on X:
“Just received this note from a SpaceX engineer helping out in the field in North Carolina.
Not only does FEMA fail to help people in trouble, they actively block citizens who try to help!
“Hey Elon, update here on the site of Asheville, NC. We have powered up two large operating bases for choppers to deliver goods to the hands. We have distributed 300+ starlinks and the outpour has saved many lives.
The big problem is that FEMA is actively blocking shipments and seizing goods and services locally and locking them up to say they have them. It’s so real and scary how much control they have to help them. We are blocked now on new starlinks shipments coming in until we get an escort from the fire dept. but this may not be enough.
Just received this note from a SpaceX engineer helping out in the field in North Carolina. @FEMA not only did they fail to help people in trouble, but they actively blocked citizens who were trying to help!
“Hey Elon, update here on the Asheville, NC site. We’ve made two…
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024
In a heart-wrenching message from one of Musk’s SpaceX engineers, the worker recounted FEMA’s harassment.
According to the engineer, FEMA not only failed to provide adequate assistance but also hindered the efforts of citizens and private organizations trying to help those in need.
“The level of incompetence of the warring government is astounding!!” Musk wrote.
Just received this text 20 minutes ago.
The level of incompetence of the warring government is astounding !! pic.twitter.com/wWbBR7FfUo
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024
The SpaceX team is now facing a more serious crisis, as FEMA, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has moved to throttle the flights of private helicopters that deliver Starlink systems and other critical supplies.
According to a message from one of SpaceX’s engineers, Mike:
“It’s true. They are now planning to close the Airspace to ‘manage’ the private helicopters they ride to deliver Starlink and supplies. We also went back with the Trump team to help us, but it didn’t look good.
We need help getting the word out about FEMA, we talked to Ivanka and gave her Starlinks yesterday, but then FEMA showed up and started blocking us.
The biggest concern for us here is FAA throttling flights for our helicopters, which require information to/from and the current mission to transmit discrete codes. Doing this takes a long time and is very complicated for ops. This is our biggest concern and the most help we can use.
Musk even shared a video taken by his team in the field showing the damage – washed out roads, damaged houses, and downed electricity, water and internet connections. Despite this dire situation, FEMA continues to hamper efforts to provide essential relief.
Musk wrote:
SpaceX engineers are trying to deliver Starlink terminals & supplies to the damaged area of North Carolina today and
FEMA has both failed to help and will not allow anyone else to help. This is rude!!
They just took this video a few hours ago, where you can see the extent of the destruction: roads, houses, electricity, water supply and underground internet connections are completely destroyed.
FEMA won’t let them land to deliver critical supplies… my blood boils…
SpaceX engineers are trying to deliver Starlink terminals & supplies to the damaged area of North Carolina today and @FEMA both failed to help and did not allow others to help. This is rude!!
He just shot this video a few hours ago, where you can see the level… pic.twitter.com/abpOsfNenF
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg immediately called Musk and confessed. “No one is closing the airspace and the FAA is not blocking legitimate rescue and recovery flights. If you run into any problems, please contact me.”
Musk then replied, “There are hundreds of reports of FEMA/FAA blocking flights. This is literally just happening. Still waiting… a helicopter is trying to land to deliver critical supplies. What number to call?”
There are hundreds of FEMA/FAA reports blocking flights. This literally just happened.
I will follow you. Please DM me the number to call.
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024
Just two days ago, the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) announced significant restrictions on its airspace in response to heavy air traffic from general aviation pilots delivering supplies to local disaster relief efforts.
Read the statement below:
“Beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) will only allow General Aviation aircraft with FEMA clearance prior to entering the airport to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.
The incredible generosity of general aviation pilots who come to the airport to deliver supplies to our community, while appreciated, greatly affects airfield operations and aviation logistics for the larger, coordinated relief efforts underway at AVL.
AVL serves as the gateway for these coordinated flights that carry large quantities of supplies, which are then distributed throughout the region by federal, state and local emergency agencies. It is important to note to the public that AVL Airport is not a distribution center, but rather a receiving point for these coordinated supply efforts.
Commercial air traffic remains unaffected, and passengers should check their flight status with the airline before arriving.
