Image: FEMA Logo   (WPDE) — Misinformation is being spread regarding FEMA and their recovery efforts after Helene and Milton. Federal officials on the ground in North and South Carolina are pushing for an end to misinformation as they said it’s only damaging storm victims. “If you’re participating in spreading this stuff, stop it. Whatever your aim is, the people you are really hurting are those in western North Carolina who need help,” said North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper. Gov. Cooper explained in a press conference Tuesday the relief efforts and assistance as western North Carolina continues to deal with flooding and destruction. Gov. Cooper said, “77,000 people for individual assistance with more than $99 million already paid out, FEMA is paying for temporary stays for more than 1900 people in hotels, and together, we’re working on more temporary housing.” Nikki Gaskins Campbell, a spokesperson for FEMA said they’re working tirelessly to help victims of Helene, focusing on its disaster recovery mission in 28 different counties in S.C. “Most of our FEMA staff is on the ground. We have left our homes and families to help South Carolinians recover, that includes myself. I have left a three-year-old behind and we are working tirelessly to assist disaster survivors during this critical time,” said Campbell. She said FEMA approved more than$126 million in disaster assistance to nearly 180,000 South Carolina households so far. That number is expected to increase as more applications are processed. “This is grant money that does not have to be repaid. It goes directly to those eligible, survivors, disaster survivors who can use that grant money for their recovery.” But this is how the funding has to be used. “You can’t say I got this money now I’m going to use it for a vacation or a big new TV. It has to be used for recovery from Hurricane Helene.” Campbell said false narratives are driven by people who are not supporting FEMA’s mission. “They are not the ones meeting with survivors. They are not the ones working long hours to help those who lost so much we just want people to realize that we continue to remain dedicated to the mission even though there are a lot of distractions out there.” N.C. Emergency Management said over 170,000 North Carolinians have applied for FEMA individual assistance with nearly $100 million directly dispersed to survivors. To check to see if you live in a county in S.C. eligible for assistance, visit FEMA-designated areas. Categories: Local News, News, Politics, State Tags: FEMA, South Carolina