Western North Carolina Activist Calls Out Government, Media Over Hurricane Helene Response
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — A heated online exchange has thrust Western North Carolina back into the spotlight as residents voice frustration over what they call years of government and media neglect following Hurricane Helene’s destruction.
Matt Van Swol, a known advocate who helped deliver aid to displaced women and children in the wake of the storm, was at the center of a viral thread this week. His tweets gained traction after he responded fiercely to a comment made by former Homeland Security official Juliette Kayyem.
Aid Efforts Ignored, Local Hero Speaks Out
Matt Van Swol, who reportedly drove RVs and supplies into mountain towns where families were left sleeping in sheds, responded to Kayyem’s commentary with anger:
“You are literally tweeting this at a resident of Western North Carolina who drove RVs to women and children sleeping in sheds after Hurricane Helene you absolute piece of garbage.”
The tension began when Kayyem posted about Texas’s flooding disaster, urging people not to politicize tragedies and to “stay in your lane.” Van Swol, backed by a chorus of supporters, fired back—highlighting how his region received little to no national media attention or aid in the aftermath of Helene.
Wider Support From Community and Influencers
Twitter user @DisrespectedThe, known to many as “The Disrespected Trucker,” defended Van Swol publicly, stating:
“I watched Matt for months screaming from the mountain tops, trying to get help to Western North Carolina… and were completely ignored by media and our own government.”
The tweet, which echoed frustrations common among rural and underserved communities, pointed to a deep feeling of abandonment many residents still harbor years after the storm.
Background: The Forgotten Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene hit portions of the Southeast with devastating force, displacing thousands and causing extensive infrastructure damage. However, unlike other major weather events, its impact in Appalachia was underreported — leaving grassroots organizers like Van Swol to fill the gap.
Eyewitness accounts have described entire communities in the western mountains of North Carolina relying on private donations and local volunteers while waiting weeks for formal assistance. No widespread FEMA coverage or national broadcast media appeared on location.
Online Backlash Reflects Deeper Political Divide
The viral exchange also underscores a broader national debate on disaster response priorities and political discourse.
Kayyem, in her original post, warned against partisan blame in response to Texas’s recent floods, stating, “Perhaps you’d want to learn from this horror rather than ignorant partisan defense.”
But critics say this misses the point — that “learning” requires listening to communities long neglected by federal response systems, including rural areas like Western North Carolina.
Looking Ahead: Accountability Still Demanded
The renewed attention has sparked calls for media outlets and government agencies to re-evaluate how they prioritize crisis coverage and emergency resource deployment — especially for isolated, low-income populations.
Matt Van Swol and his supporters aren’t backing down. With growing support on social media and in their communities, they’re pushing for both recognition and long-overdue investment in Western North Carolina’s disaster infrastructure.
Were you or someone you know impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina? Share your story with the Saluda Standard-Sentinel — your voice matters in holding officials accountable.
