Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Starlink's parent company, recently criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for allegedly blocking shipments of Starlink satellite internet deliveries in hurricane-ravaged North Carolina. In a text exchange shared by Musk, an engineer claimed that FEMA was seizing goods and services and blocking new shipments of Starlinks until an escort from the fire department was obtained.
However, FEMA denied these allegations, stating that the claims of confiscating commodities, supplies, or resources in North Carolina were false. The agency emphasized that it is working with federal, state, and local partners to provide life-saving resources to those in need, including deploying millions of Meals Ready to Eat, liters of water, tarps, and generators to areas impacted by the hurricane.
FEMA also highlighted the importance of connectivity in disaster response and mentioned that Starlink units have been set up in North Carolina and other states affected by the hurricane. The agency has provided Starlink terminals to support disaster operations and coordination efforts, including in critical lifeline locations identified by the state.
Despite FEMA's response, Musk continued to express frustration with the agency's alleged actions, including accusing the FCC of illegally pulling a Starlink award that could have aided hurricane victims. As of late Friday, the death toll from Hurricane Helene stood at 230, with significant devastation in North and South Carolina.
While both Musk and FEMA have presented conflicting accounts of the situation, it is essential to consider all perspectives and await further developments to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the delivery of Starlink internet in hurricane-affected areas.