Elon Musk accuses FEMA of blocking Starlink deliveries in hurricane-hit areas

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Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of obstructing the delivery of Starlink units to areas devastated by Hurricane Helene. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Musk claimed that FEMA was "blocking citizens who try to help" and limiting efforts to provide internet connectivity through Starlink satellite units.

Musk shared a message from a SpaceX engineer stationed in Asheville, North Carolina, who reported that over 300 Starlink units had been deployed and were critical in saving lives. However, the engineer alleged that FEMA was "actively blocking shipments" and seizing goods and services intended to aid the relief efforts.

The engineer also stated that further shipments of Starlink units were delayed until an escort from the fire department could be arranged. Additionally, Musk revealed that the Federal Aviation Administration had imposed flight restrictions over North Carolina, complicating the delivery of emergency supplies.

FEMA has not yet commented on the accusations. The situation follows previous reports of temporary flight restrictions mentioned by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, which were enforced to regulate airspace over areas affected by the hurricane.