Ivanka Trump Helps Deliver Starlink Terminals To North Carolina Resident Impacted By Flooding
Ivanka Trump and the Love and Light Foundation have stepped up to provide critical support to areas in North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene. In a collaborative effort, they delivered hundreds of Starlink terminals to help restore internet connectivity in flood-stricken regions. Starlink, a satellite-based internet service developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has become a vital resource for disaster-hit communities, especially those in remote areas cut off from traditional communications.
The United Cajun Navy-Search & Rescue, a disaster response organization, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing the delivery of the equipment. “YUGE shout out to @IvankaTrump and the Love and Light Foundation for flying in 300 STARLINK units for the #Helene victims of the #NorthCarolinaFlood,” their message read, underscoring the significance of the aid in areas left reeling from the storm.
Hurricane Helene has wrought widespread devastation across several southeastern states, including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, leaving at least 180 confirmed dead and millions without basic services such as power, cell phone coverage, and internet access. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
YUGE shout out to @IvankaTrump and the Love and Light Foundation for flying in 300 STARLINK units for the #helene victims of the #NorthCarolinaFlood ! #unitedisstrength #unitedcajunnavy #CajunNavy #Helene pic.twitter.com/H6QPX9OPHu
— United Cajun Navy (@Unitedcajunnavy) October 2, 2024
Starlink has been a key player in disaster relief efforts, offering free service to affected areas for 30 days. This initiative aims to ensure that even the most isolated and hard-hit communities have access to high-speed internet, allowing for vital communication and coordination of relief operations. SpaceX has made these efforts widely accessible, with Elon Musk himself taking to social media to announce the move, saying, "Starlink terminals will now work automatically without need for payment in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene."
Former President Donald Trump also visited the region on Monday, where he revealed he had spoken with Musk about getting Starlink deployed to help. Musk later confirmed the conversation on X, stating that Trump had alerted him to additional people in North Carolina who still needed Starlink’s services. "We are sending them terminals right away," Musk posted, underscoring the responsiveness of the relief efforts.
While the Biden administration acknowledged that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had already planned for Starlink deliveries, the collaboration between private organizations and the federal government appears to be ensuring that critical needs are met as swiftly as possible.