In the late hours of Sept. 24, Hurricane Helene pummeled through the southeastern United States, devastating communities from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains. As the water subsided and survivors sought refuge and began clean-up efforts, all attention shifted to how the government would respond to this natural disaster. As of Oct. 7, aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has exceeded $210 million, as each state supplements with additional resources.
Florida
With Florida experiencing numerous hurricanes each year, the state was the most equipped to respond to Hurricane Helene. Following the hurricane, Gov. Ron DeSantis authorized the Florida National Guard to activate up to 5,500 guardsmen to aid in response operations. In addition to the guardsmen, the Florida Department of Transportation deployed 2,100 workers to repair transportation infrastructure promptly.
Georgia
From the farmlands of South Georgia to the metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia’s infrastructure and agriculture took a hard hit from Hurricane Helene.
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper toured the state for two weeks assessing the damage to crops that were on the brink of harvest such as cotton, blueberries, bell peppers, and squash. Most of this year’s fall crops are damaged or completely unsalvageable. The Georgia legislature has created a study committee to explore how the state can further support its farmers beyond the benefit of crop insurance.
In Metro-Atlanta, flood waters condemned buildings and sink holes exposed the city's insufficient and aged infrastructure. Luckily, the state legislature passed a historic infrastructure funding bill during the 2024 session that has already been tapped into to rebuild the capital city.
South Carolina
Like Georgia, Hurricane Helene had the largest impact on South Carolina’s agriculture community. Many of the fall crops were left unrecoverable, and residents of 13 counties were left without power for a week.
Although FEMA has provided more than $57 million in relief and recovery funding, and Gov. McMaster has initiated relief efforts from numerous state agencies, the state’s legislature has decided to not convene for a special session to further discuss the state’s role in recovery and relief and how to best prepare for future natural disasters.
North Carolina
Western North Carolina was the region most impacted by Hurricane Helene. Drastic rainfall mixed with the steep slopes and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains created a devastating combination that left most of this region in ruins. The storm decimated the region's infrastructure, from roads to utilities. In addition to FEMA providing employees to aid with recovery and more than $27 million in funding, Gov. Cooper has deployed healthcare workers, utility workers, first responders, and North Carolina National guardsmen to the region to begin the long road to revitalization.
North Carolina is also receiving the help of an additional 1,100 responders from 34 other states. “Resources from around the nation are at work helping Western North Carolina’s storm response and recovery,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “We are grateful for assistance that’s supporting the thousands of our North Carolina responders.”
Gov. Cooper issued an executive order that increases the capacity of the healthcare workforce to respond to Helene by making it easier for healthcare professionals licensed in other states, recent retirees, and others with necessary skills to assist with North Carolina’s response and recovery. In addition, the order authorizes the State Health Director to issue standing orders for emergency medications and authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to modify or waive fees for replacement of vital records.
Lawmakers reconvened in Raleigh on Oct. 9 to approve a bipartisan, $273 million disaster relief bill for western North Carolina, which Senate leader Phil Berger (R) characterized as "just the first step." The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Cooper on Oct. 10.
Tennessee
In the days following Hurricane Helene, Gov. Bill Lee deployed the Tennessee National Guard to east Tennessee and western North Carolina, ordered flags across the state to half-staff, and urged Tennesseans to participate in a day of prayer and fasting to support their neighbors. In addition to the guardsmen, first responders from across Tennessee were deployed to eastern Tennessee to aid in recovery efforts.
To supplement Tennessee’s efforts, FEMA provided more than $632,000.
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