It’s been about a week since Helene changed the topography of Western North Carolina.
Photos coming out of some areas show that rivers and streams have actually changed how they flow following the incredible amount of rain that fell before and during the devastating Hurricane. There has also been pictures and reports of entire mountain sides washing away.
Almost immediately, private helicopter pilots – many at their own expense – got into their small helicopters and started helping. A few days later, the rescue efforts of these pilots became more organized as non-profit groups came in to help pay for fuel so these operations could continue.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has dragged its feet.
Knowing how urgent the situation is, these pilots, including drone operators, have been in the sky looking for survivors.
For example, former NASCAR bad boy Greg Biffle documented how a person was able to flag him down with a mirror, which led to him helping the man with aid.
If your family is near this pin, they got my attention with a mirror flashing against the sun they are okay and we’ve dropped off supplies pic.twitter.com/xXznxistbB
— Greg Biffle (@gbiffle) October 2, 2024
Biffle said it took him six attempts to land with his small chopper due to the conditions and area.
The mirror that caught our attention well over a mile away 👀 only way we we were able to find someone stranded in the mountains at bottom of steep canyon. 6 attempts to land due to difficulty but we got there – got him a chainsaw, EpiPens, insulin, chicken food, formula, gas, 2… pic.twitter.com/Wdl4w7hMZM
— Greg Biffle (@gbiffle) October 3, 2024
If you go on X, there are countless videos from other pilots who are also coordinating with family members who still haven’t heard from victims they know may be trapped.
There is only one place in the world where you can witness a fleet of privately owned helicopters playing the role of a *disaster relief team*. Kudos 🫡#Asheville #NorthCarolina
Credit: Cleetus McFarlandhttps://t.co/dk9mwlPfio pic.twitter.com/ZFtxFKEs6k— chili & cinnamon rolls y'all (@snegorino) October 3, 2024
The effort is really showing that when Americans bind together, they really can accomplish incredible things.
So what does the Biden administration do?
Buttieigeg is telling drone operators hunting for survivors and victims to stop helping.
“Drone pilots: Do not fly your drone near or around rescue and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene,” Buttieigeg said in a video posted on X.
Notifying volunteers they are imposing flight restrictions.
🚨 Drone pilots: Do not fly your drone near or around rescue and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene.
Interfering with emergency response operations impacts search and rescue operations on the ground. For more information on temporary flight restrictions follow: @FAADroneZone pic.twitter.com/muxHefL1sH
— U.S. Department of Transportation (@USDOT) October 2, 2024
Drone pilots: Do not fly your drone near or around rescue and recovery efforts for #Helene. Interfering with emergency response operations will cost you. Check Temporary Flight Restrictions before you fly at https://t.co/UgXvCDlhYt. #NorthCarolina #Tennessee #Florida #Georgia pic.twitter.com/EeJaCaU2Ir
— FAADroneZone (@FAADroneZone) September 30, 2024
Folks, ports are closed, and Hundreds of Americans are missing in a natural disaster. FEMA says they’re out of money because they spent it all on illegals. ICE says there are over 600k mid-high level criminals in our midst awaiting deportation. War is breaking out in the Middle East. Emergency oil reserves depleted. Kamala Harris wants a promotion.
Other than that, things are great.
