Ivanka Trump and the Love and Light Foundation delivered Starlink terminals to flood-ravaged areas of North Carolina after southeastern states were devastated by Hurricane Helene.
In a post on Wednesday on X, the United Cajun Navy-Search & Rescue, Disaster Response & Recovery posted a clip showing hundreds of boxes of the equipment that had been flown in allowing for high-speed internet for victims of the hurricane in remote areas. Starlink provides satellite internet service from Space X, which was founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
“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,” the United Cajun Navy’s post read.
In another post on X, Starlink said it was providing “free service for 30 days in regions affected by Hurricane Helene,” with a link about how the program worked.
“Starlink aims to enable anyone impacted by a natural disaster to be able to access internet connectivity,” the linked website read. “For those in areas that were impacted by Hurricane Helene, Starlink is available and temporarily offering free service for the first month.”
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
“If you are impacted by Hurricane Helene, or are looking to enable rapid assistance for responding to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, and need to access this 30 day free service option, please follow the steps below,” it added.
Musk also posted on social media and wrote, “Starlink terminals will now work automatically without need for payment in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene.”
At least 180 people across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia have already been confirmed dead in the wake of the hurricane, with the death toll expected to rise. Millions were left without power, internet access, and cell phone service.
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On Monday, former President Donald Trump traveled to the area and said he’d spoken to Musk about getting Starlink in there to help.
A spokesperson for President Joe Biden’s administration then hit back and said that FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] had already planned for Starlink deliveries, NBC noted.
On Tuesday on X, Musk wrote, “Since the Hurricane Helene disaster, SpaceX has sent as many Starlink terminals as possible to help areas in need. Earlier today, @realDonaldTrump alerted me to additional people who need Starlink Internet in North Carolina. We are sending them terminals right away.”
Related: Hurricane Helene Death Toll Approaches 180 As Hundreds Still Missing