According to Mail Online, the North Carolina National Guard defended Harris, asserting that the aid reached its destination as they grappled with a severe humanitarian situation following Hurricane Helene's impact.

The controversy began after Shawn Ryan, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, raised accusations on a podcast, citing a military source said Vice President Harris merely posed for a photo with loaded supplies that were never delivered.

Clarification from the North Carolina National Guard

A representative from the North Carolina National Guard quickly refuted these allegations. The spokesperson clarified that due to a mechanical problem, the aid's delivery was delayed. However, the supplies departed the following day, countering claims of a staged event.

During her visit to North Carolina, Harris addressed the ongoing relief efforts. She appeared in front of a C-17 aircraft, pledging sustained federal support to help those affected by the hurricane.

In response to the devastation, at least four C-17 aircraft have been engaged in transporting essential supplies to North Carolina since the hurricane made landfall.

Hurricane Helene initially struck the Big Bend area of Florida on Sept. 26. It unleashed further destruction as it moved through Georgia and the Carolinas.

The storm's impact proved catastrophic, resulting in over 230 fatalities across the nation, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of the disaster, accounting for at least 120 confirmed deaths.

The recovery efforts remain challenging, hampered by numerous bodies yet unaccounted for and a significant number of individuals still missing.

Individuals like Jesse Craig have experienced profound personal losses due to the storm's onslaught. Craig described the dramatic changes to his hometown, expressing a deep connection to an area that is now "unrecognizable."

The sheer volume of casualties has overwhelmed local infrastructure. State officials have reported that, with morgues filled, families have resorted to interring their deceased relatives in home yards.

This grim reality underscores the severe challenges faced by communities as they struggle to recover from the extensive damage.

The devastation could significantly affect the forthcoming November elections. Continuing issues such as power outages, disrupted water supplies, and limited communication services present considerable obstacles for residents.

Election officials worry that these conditions might deter citizens from participating in the electoral process. W. Travis Doss Jr. highlighted the difficulties, noting the lack of essential services as a pressing concern.

Kevin Morris suggested that the accumulated hardships might overwhelm potential voters, impacting voter turnout at a critical time.