### Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts Intensify Across Multiple States

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, a coalition of first responders from local and state governments, private sector entities, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and federal agencies is diligently working to support affected communities. These collaborative efforts focus on meeting the urgent needs of survivors in severely impacted areas.

President Biden has sanctioned federal disaster assistance for individuals in designated counties within Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, aimed at providing immediate relief. Survivors can apply for assistance through the FEMA website, by calling 800-621-3362, or via the FEMA App. The aid can help cover essentials such as food, water, baby formula, and other emergency supplies. Additionally, financial support is available for repairing storm-related damages to homes and personal properties, as well as for securing temporary housing solutions.

In various regions, relief operations are in full swing. In Asheville, North Carolina, volunteers have been actively distributing supplies to those left in distress by Hurricane Helene as of October 1, 2024. Similarly, on September 30, 2024, FEMA provided critical resources such as water, Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), and tarps to survivors in Lowndes County, Georgia.

FEMA's Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams have been on the ground in Steinhatchee, Florida, as well as Fletcher, North Carolina, helping people register for assistance and offering much-needed support. The town of Swannanoa in Western North Carolina is grappling with significant devastation and is receiving help from various disaster response teams as of October 1, 2024.

To facilitate better communication and support, FEMA has made resources available through their Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page, offering graphics, social media copy, and sample texts in multiple languages. This comprehensive approach ensures that information and assistance are accessible to all those affected by the hurricane.

As relief efforts continue, the combined actions of multiple agencies and communities aim to quickly restore normalcy and provide much-needed aid to those impacted by Hurricane Helene.