Disaster recovery News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Grinchy FEMA needs a change of heart

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025-- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

Report: NC relief program for hurricanes Matthew, Florence was 'logistical nightmare'

The North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency prioritized "process management" over repairing and rebuilding homes destroyed by hurricanes Matthew and Florence, according to a report by State Auditor Dave Boliek.

Stein signs stopgap funding bill aiding law enforcement and businesses impacted by disasters

Senate Bill 449 expands and modifies programs for businesses and governments impacted by Hurricane Helene. It also appropriates money for several law-enforcement initiatives.

WRAL News staff

Music duo channels emotion of Helene's aftermath, honoring North Carolina mountain resilience

The young, two-person band Cabin Creature managed to create a hauntingly accurate song that evokes the spirit of Appalachian folk music for a new documentary about havoc from Hurricane Helene.

THT: Old Hampton Store

Becoming whole again. So many businesses were torn apart during Hurricane Helene. WRAL's Tar Heel Traveler shows the progress of one business, a year after the storm.

FEMA 'our biggest obstacle' as Helene recovery drags on, NC disaster leaders tell lawmakers

The roughly 9% of Helene damage costs covered by the federal government so far for North Carolina pales in comparison to other large storms including Hurricanes Katrina, Maria and Sandy, when the federal government paid for more than 70% of those costs, disaster recovery leaders say.

Will Doran and Jack Hagel, WRAL News

Governor Stein expected to ask for federal release of Hurricane Helene relief funds in NC on Monday

Governor Josh Stein is set to advocate for increased federal funding for Hurricane Helene recovery at a news conference in Western North Carolina.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Hurricane relief: Circling the drain?

Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025-- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

New report highlights FEMA's role in NC recovery

A new study shows North Carolina relies on FEMA money more than most states. WRAL News looks at the potential fallout with critical federal funding in jeopardy.

Federal disaster aid at risk as North Carolina faces growing recovery costs

North Carolina ranks 12th in FEMA reliance, receiving $2.7B in aid since 2022, as Helene recovery continues and billion-dollar disasters surge nationwide.

Stein requests federal disaster declaration to speed recovery from Tropical Storm Chantal

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said local governments are facing tens of millions of dollars in damages from the storm, which killed at least six people in central North Carolina last month.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Scammers using artificial intelligence for disaster fraud

Storm relief is getting into the hands of crooks, instead of the people who really need it. From storms to everyday government aid, WRAL Investigates the growing use of AI to commit fraud.

AI-driven scams threaten NC disaster aid: How to protect yourself from fraudsters

The use of artificial intelligence is growing in an effort to steal disaster-relief money from people who really need it.

SBA disaster declaration approved for eight counties after Chantal

Governor Josh Stein announced a major relief effort for North Carolina residents affected by Tropical Depression Chantal, as the Small Business Administration has approved a disaster declaration for eight counties.

SBA disaster loans available for NC counties hit by tropical depression Chantal

Governor Josh Stein announced a major relief effort for North Carolina residents affected by Tropical Depression Chantal, as the Small Business Administration has approved a disaster declaration for eight counties.

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending July 17

A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted during the previous week.

Targeted News Service

NC House rejects Senate-backed Helene relief bill. Now millions of dollars are on hold

Millions of dollars in disaster relief funds are stalled in the North Carolina General Assembly as Republican leaders squabble over the details of a proposal to help victims of Hurricane Helene.

Paul Specht and Will Doran, WRAL News

President Trump calls for FEMA phase out by year's end

President Donald Trump's plan to phase out FEMA after the 2025 hurricane season is drawing criticism and mixed reactions from North Carolina lawmakers, who are concerned about the impact on disaster recovery and preparedness.

Trump's plan to phase out FEMA draws criticism from NC Democrats

President Donald Trump's plan to phase out FEMA after the 2025 hurricane season is drawing criticism and mixed reactions from North Carolina lawmakers, who are concerned about the impact on disaster recovery and preparedness.

NC-based 'Mission Mules' help tornado victims in Kentucky

A pack of mules joined the tornado relief effort in Kentucky. They're part of a North Carolina-based non-profit called 'Mission Mules' that helps disaster victims.

NC's FEMA aid extension for Hurricane Helene recovery denied

North Carolina's request for FEMA to extend full reimbursement for damages caused by Hurricane Helene has been denied, sparking disappointment and concern from state officials.

Nonprofit closes distribution site that aided thousands after Hurricane Helene

Non-profit Valley Strong Disaster Relief (VSDR) is shifting its focus toward clean up and repair in western North Carolina after closing their supply distribution site in March.

Amish pitch in to help still-struggling western NC communities recovering from Helene

Amish communities have become an important part of recovery efforts in hard hit areas like Chimney Rock and Bat Cave.

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending Feb. 27

A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted during the previous week.

Targeted News Service

Trump taps North Carolina's Stein to co-chair bipartisan council on state-federal partnerships

President Donald Trump appointed Democratic North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein to co-chair the Council of Governors, which focuses on national security, disaster response, and military coordination issues.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter