Congressman Pat Harrigan on the Six-Month Anniversary of Hurricane Helene

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) released the following statement marking six months since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina:

“Six months ago, Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina with historic force—claiming more than 100 lives, displacing thousands of families, and causing an estimated $60 billion in damage. Roads, bridges, homes, and businesses were wiped off the map. The storm shook our communities to their core.

I spent last week in Western North Carolina with my team, seeing the destruction firsthand. But I also saw something more powerful than the storm itself—the resolve of our people. Since September 27, they’ve been rebuilding—not just structures, but communities. Their resilience defines North Carolina.

The federal government’s response has been inadequate. FEMA in its current form cannot be trusted to serve Americans affected by natural disasters. The bureaucracy has failed those who needed help the most.

Yet nothing—nothing—will stop North Carolinians from recovering and rebuilding. Their strength, generosity, and grit remain unmatched. With every road repaved, bridge rebuilt, and house rehomed, they are writing the next chapter of their story.

To everyone still picking up the pieces: we see you, we hear you, and we will not stop fighting for the resources and support you deserve. The journey back from Helene is long—and it’s far from over—but you are not alone,” said Congressman Harrigan.

Other North Carolina leaders offered the following remarks:

“Six months ago, Hurricane Helene pummeled Western North Carolina, devastating the lives of over half a million individuals. The heartbreaking conditions and displacement of so many has been an immense challenge that we continue to work through. Eastern North Carolina is no stranger to powerful, damaging storms and hurricanes, and we have received overwhelming support from our mountain neighbors in our times of need. We mourn the tragic loss of life and remain committed to supporting those out West as they rebuild their lives and communities with dignity,” said Congressman Greg Murphy (NC-3).

“Six months ago today, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, killing many and leaving thousands homeless. Since then, two things have become abundantly clear: 1) FEMA in its current form cannot be trusted to serve the needs of Americans affected by natural disasters. 2) North Carolinians are incredibly resilient in the face of disaster, and absolutely nothing will stop their full recovery—even DC bureaucrats. I am committed to fighting to get bureaucrats out of the way and re-empower the local communities who know best how to address these disasters,” said Congressman Mark Harris (NC-8).

“Looking back on the six months since Hurricane Helene hit the mountains of Western North Carolina, I am grateful for all the ways that folks across the nation have contributed to recovery in our mountains. Western North Carolina is ready to rebuild, and a priority now is to make sure our local leaders get timely access to the resources passed by the government, including the $110 billion in disaster aid from the American Relief Act, to keep making progress. Knowing where the pressure points are, I’m confident that with continued focus and collaboration, we will be able to accelerate recovery for folks whose lives have been turned upside down by Helene,” said Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11).

“The durable resilience of Western North Carolina continues to inspire our state and nation. It was an honor to join President Trump in the delegation visit to meet with those affected and hear their firsthand accounts of the recovery process. While I’m grateful to see federal support come through thanks to President Trump's leadership, we must continue the efforts in earnest to remove federal, state and local barriers that inhibit rapid deployment of resources to rebuild as quickly as possible,” said Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13).

“Hurricane Helene was one of the most devastating and deadly storms Western North Carolina has ever faced, and six months later, parts of my district still have a long road to recovery. At the time, I was serving as Speaker of the North Carolina House and helped lead the charge to pass over one billion dollars in state aid to get folks back on their feet. While our state stepped up, Biden’s FEMA failed to deliver — but I’ve been working closely with President Trump, who has made rebuilding Western North Carolina and reforming FEMA a top priority for his Administration. My number one focus in Washington is making sure Western North Carolinians have the resources they need to recover, and I’m proud to serve on the President’s FEMA Review Council to help ensure no community is ever left behind again,” said Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14).