Nearly 92 people are still missing in North Carolina, weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the western stretch of the state, Gov. Roy Cooper said in a news conference on Tuesday. He cautioned that the latest count of 92 people could change, "as more reports come in and others are resolved." He said, "I want to caution that this is not a definitive count because the task force is continuing its work.”

While rescue teams are looking for missing individuals, 95 storm-related deaths in North Carolina have been verified by the officials, and more than 220 have been killed by Helene, including in Florida, where the storm made landfall.

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During the conference, Cooper emphasised the "persistent and dangerous flow of miscommunication" which complicates the relief efforts. He said it leads to confusion and demoralises storm survivors. His remarks about the aftermath of miscommunication and the flow of false claims about hurricane come after federal workers confronted rising distrust from residents.&nbsp;

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said it had to change its operation because of threats fuelled by misinformation. FEMA has temporarily pulled back some relief workers who went door-to-door to help people affected by the storm.&nbsp;

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False conspiracy theory claims that government agencies and FEMA were withholding aid money. However, Governor Roy Cooper said more than $99 million has already been paid, and 77,000 people were approved under the assistance programme.

During the conference, Cooper also went through the latest statistics, stating that only 13,000 power outages were reported compared to one million immediately after the storm. He also said that about 580 roads remain closed, a decrease from about 1,200. He said thousands of state, federal, and National Guard workers are working to help people recover from the storm and also mentioned that some progress has been made. 
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(With inputs from agencies) 
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Nearly 92 people are still missing in North Carolina, weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the western stretch of the state, Gov. Roy Cooper said in a news conference on Tuesday.

Nearly 92 people are still missing in North Carolina, weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the western stretch of the state, Gov. Roy Cooper said in a news conference on Tuesday. He cautioned that the latest count of 92 people could change, "as more reports come in and others are resolved." He said, "I want to caution that this is not a definitive count because the task force is continuing its work.” While rescue teams are looking for missing individuals, 95 storm-related deaths in North Carolina have been verified by the officials, and more than 220 have been killed by Helene, including in Florida, where the storm made landfall. Also Read | After Canada, now US accuses India of ‘not cooperating’ in Nijjar killing row During the conference, Cooper emphasised the "persistent and dangerous flow of miscommunication" which complicates the relief efforts. He said it leads to confusion and demoralises storm survivors. His remarks about the aftermath of miscommunication and the flow of false claims about hurricane come after federal workers confronted rising distrust from residents. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said it had to change its operation because of threats fuelled by misinformation. FEMA has temporarily pulled back some relief workers who went door-to-door to help people affected by the storm. Also Read | North Korea claims 1.4 million youth applied to the army in two days False conspiracy theory claims that government agencies and FEMA were withholding aid money. However, Governor Roy Cooper said more than $99 million has already been paid, and 77,000 people were approved under the assistance programme. During the conference, Cooper also went through the latest statistics, stating that only 13,000 power outages were reported compared to one million immediately after the storm. He also said that about 580 roads remain closed, a decrease from about 1,200. He said thousands of state, federal, and National Guard workers are working to help people recover from the storm and also mentioned that some progress has been made. (With inputs from agencies)

Weeks after Hurricane Helene, nearly 100 people still missing in North Carolina

Space weather forecasters warn that a severe solar storm heading towards Earth could stress power grids even more as the United States is already dealing with hurricanes. A severe geomagnetic storm watch has been issued for Thursday into Friday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Wednesday that it has notified and warned the operators of power plants to take precautions. Such a storm can temporarily disrupt power and radio signals.&nbsp;

NOAA has also alerted the Federal Emergency Management Agency about possible power disruptions, as the organisation is already coping with the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Helene and gearing up for Hurricane Milton moving across the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida.

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Space forecasters are not expecting the solar storm to surpass the one that hit Earth in May, the strongest in more than two decades. However, they won’t know the impact until it is 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometres) away, where spacecraft can measure it.&nbsp;

Rob Steenburgh, the scientist of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre, said that Florida is far enough to experience power disruptions unless the solar storm gets bigger. Steenburgh said, “That adds a little bit more to the comfort level.” He added, &nbsp;"Why we're here is to let them know so that they can prepare."

NOAA space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl said that the experts are more concerned about the power grids of the area slammed by Hurricane Helene two weeks ago.&nbsp;

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According to NOAA, the storm can trigger northern lights as far south in the U.S., and the exact locations can differ. Skygazers are also suggested to point their phones upward, as cameras can sometimes capture auroras that human eyes cannot.&nbsp;

The solar storm in May produced dazzling auroras across the Northern Hemisphere but resulted in no major destruction.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Space weather forecasters warn that a severe solar storm heading towards Earth could stress power grids even more as the United States is already dealing with hurricanes.

Space weather forecasters warn that a severe solar storm heading towards Earth could stress power grids even more as the United States is already dealing with hurricanes. A severe geomagnetic storm watch has been issued for Thursday into Friday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Wednesday that it has notified and warned the operators of power plants to take precautions. Such a storm can temporarily disrupt power and radio signals. NOAA has also alerted the Federal Emergency Management Agency about possible power disruptions, as the organisation is already coping with the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Helene and gearing up for Hurricane Milton moving across the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida. Also Read | IDF kills two Hezbollah commanders, targets weapons cache in Lebanon strikes Space forecasters are not expecting the solar storm to surpass the one that hit Earth in May, the strongest in more than two decades. However, they won’t know the impact until it is 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometres) away, where spacecraft can measure it. Rob Steenburgh, the scientist of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre, said that Florida is far enough to experience power disruptions unless the solar storm gets bigger. Steenburgh said, “That adds a little bit more to the comfort level.” He added, "Why we're here is to let them know so that they can prepare." NOAA space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl said that the experts are more concerned about the power grids of the area slammed by Hurricane Helene two weeks ago. Also Read | 'It's a live broadcast!' Kamala Harris's embarrassing slip-up during hurricane briefing goes viral According to NOAA, the storm can trigger northern lights as far south in the U.S., and the exact locations can differ. Skygazers are also suggested to point their phones upward, as cameras can sometimes capture auroras that human eyes cannot. The solar storm in May produced dazzling auroras across the Northern Hemisphere but resulted in no major destruction. (With inputs from agencies)

Severe solar storms may stress power grids as US currently deals with powerful hurricanes

United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently shared that he and SpaceX founder Elon Musk connected over a call regarding the X owner's complaints about government interference in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Musk had publicly claimed that the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) was blocking flights into areas affected by the hurricane in North Carolina, where his Starlink satellite system was being deployed to help restore internet connectivity.&nbsp;

Following these claims, Buttigieg invited Musk to speak directly with him to clarify the situation.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:145,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1835}">Musk-Buttigieg connect&nbsp;</h2>

In an interview on MSNBC's Inside with Jen Psaki, Buttigieg explained that the FAA was not closing down any airspace as alleged. Instead, "there was an issue with pilots who were helping get Starlink equipment to where it needed to be, having the right information".&nbsp;

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Buttigieg said that after working with local authorities, they "were able to take care of it".

"He (Musk) took me up on that. He called. We had a conversation. What we found out was actually happening was the FAA was not closing down any airspace," said the Transport secretary.

After their conversation, Musk expressed his appreciation on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Buttigieg for helping to expedite the support flights.&nbsp;

"Just wanted to note that Sec Buttigieg is on the ball," wrote Musk.

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Thanks for expediting approval for support flights. 
 
Just wanted to note that Sec Buttigieg is on the ball.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:471,&quot;y&quot;:514,&quot;w&quot;:93,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:504,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2204}" href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1842350122899739050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Initially, Musk had shared a screenshot suggesting that the government was "about to shut down the Air space to 'regulate' the private choppers we are riding in to deliver Starlink and supplies". However, after speaking with Buttigieg, Musk clarified that the situation had been resolved.

Buttigieg also elaborated on how the FAA uses temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in disaster zones to ensure safety during rescue operations.&nbsp;

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"Basically what happens is if you have a disaster area, there’s a lot of rescue operations going on. A local airport or fire department or the Coast Guard flying helicopter — somebody like that can request what’s called a TFR".

He stressed that such measures do not shut down airspace, but rather increase coordination to prevent potential collisions during recovery efforts.

"It doesn't shut down the airspace, but it increases the level of coordination that goes on because you want to make sure that that airspace is safe and that you prevent the risk of collisions," he explained.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently shared that he and SpaceX founder Elon Musk connected over a call regarding the X owner's complaints about government interference in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently shared that he and SpaceX founder Elon Musk connected over a call regarding the X owner's complaints about government interference in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Musk had publicly claimed that the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) was blocking flights into areas affected by the hurricane in North Carolina, where his Starlink satellite system was being deployed to help restore internet connectivity. Following these claims, Buttigieg invited Musk to speak directly with him to clarify the situation. Musk-Buttigieg connect In an interview on MSNBC's Inside with Jen Psaki, Buttigieg explained that the FAA was not closing down any airspace as alleged. Instead, "there was an issue with pilots who were helping get Starlink equipment to where it needed to be, having the right information". Also read | Milton strengthens into hurricane, Florida braces for impact Buttigieg said that after working with local authorities, they "were able to take care of it". "He (Musk) took me up on that. He called. We had a conversation. What we found out was actually happening was the FAA was not closing down any airspace," said the Transport secretary. After their conversation, Musk expressed his appreciation on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Buttigieg for helping to expedite the support flights. "Just wanted to note that Sec Buttigieg is on the ball," wrote Musk. Thanks for expediting approval for support flights. Just wanted to note that Sec Buttigieg is on the ball. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024 × Initially, Musk had shared a screenshot suggesting that the government was "about to shut down the Air space to 'regulate' the private choppers we are riding in to deliver Starlink and supplies". However, after speaking with Buttigieg, Musk clarified that the situation had been resolved. Buttigieg also elaborated on how the FAA uses temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in disaster zones to ensure safety during rescue operations. Also read | Heartbreaking images or something else? AI-generated deepfakes of Hurricane Helene victims go viral "Basically what happens is if you have a disaster area, there’s a lot of rescue operations going on. A local airport or fire department or the Coast Guard flying helicopter — somebody like that can request what’s called a TFR". He stressed that such measures do not shut down airspace, but rather increase coordination to prevent potential collisions during recovery efforts. "It doesn't shut down the airspace, but it increases the level of coordination that goes on because you want to make sure that that airspace is safe and that you prevent the risk of collisions," he explained. (With inputs from agencies)

US transport secretary Pete Buttigieg talks to Elon Musk, clarifies FAA stance in Hurricane Helene aftermath