FEMA's Criswell dismisses 'ridiculous' Helene recovery falsehoods

(ABC News) In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell discussed recovery from Hurricane Helene across the Southeast and pushed back on baseless claims about the agency’s funding, calling them “ridiculous.”

“You know, it's really a shame that we're putting politics ahead of helping people, and that's what we're here to do,” Criswell told ABC “This Week” anchor George Stephanopoulos on Sunday.

Asked about the impact of disinformation on recovery efforts, Criswell said it has a “tremendous impact” on the comfort level of FEMA employees in the field. “It’s also demoralizing to all of the first responders that have been out there in their communities helping people,” she said.

Criswell spoke about Helene's path of destruction that has left many reeling across the Southeast. The storm’s death toll stands at 227, according to The Associated Press.

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