DHS closure affects FEMA’s ability to respond to disasters, expert cautions
Exclusive: The ongoing partial government shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may severely hinder local disaster response efforts, particularly without assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to public safety experts. Jeffrey Halstead, who leads strategic accounts at Genesys—an organization that provides communication support during emergencies—expressed in an interview that the […]
Kristi Noem greenlights $1 billion in FEMA funding for disasters in Georgia
Homeland Security Allocates $1 Billion for Georgia Recovery Efforts The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a substantial $1 billion in funding, sourced from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aimed at assisting Georgia with recovery initiatives stemming from Hurricane Helen and Tropical Storm Debbie in 2024. This allocation also includes support for medical […]
Utility Firms Linked to California’s Major Disasters Continue to Fund Democratic Campaigns
Three major power companies in California—Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Southern California Edison (SCE), and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)—are currently dealing with several lawsuits related to wildfires, and they share one notable feature: contributions to the Democratic Party. LADWP and SCE have faced legal issues connected to wildfires in Los Angeles […]
The most feared natural disasters among Americans, according to a new survey.
Recent research has highlighted tornadoes as the most terrifying natural disaster. A survey of 2,500 Americans, evenly split across various regions, revealed that 46% find the threat of tornadoes more frightening than tsunamis (43%), earthquakes (35%), or hurricanes (33%). People in the Northeast seem quite confident when it comes to preparing for heat waves, droughts […]
Texas governor surpassing Newsom in handling disasters despite Democratic opposition hindering progress
Despite the flight of some Democratic lawmakers and their ongoing relief efforts, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, reacted more swiftly to flood damage than California Governor Gavin Newsom did regarding wildfire emergencies. Over the weekend, Abbott distributed $25,000 relief checks to more than 60 families affected by recent floods in Texas Hill Country. In […]
FEMA changes are necessary as flooding disasters impact several states
Natural Disasters Strike Again Once again, the country faces the grim reality of natural disasters. In Texas, over 120 people have lost their lives, and at least 170 are still unaccounted for following a devastating flood. Sadly, among the missing are young children and camp counselors. New Mexico also reports homes being swept away by […]
Tracking the costs of disasters caused by the climate crisis will end: ‘Significant loss’
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has decided to stop tracking the financial impact of weather disasters, such as floods, heatwaves, and wildfires, which are linked to climate change. This move reflects a broader trend of agencies limiting federal resources regarding climate issues, particularly influenced by changes during the Trump administration. NOAA, part of […]
AmeriCorps members who respond to disasters and help nonprofits are let go in DOGE cuts – AP News
Des Moines, Iowa (AP) – Young volunteers responding to natural disasters and supporting U.S. community projects. Trump administration Campaign Reduce government workforce and services. Americanorps’ National Civilian Community Corps told volunteers on Tuesday that they would be closing the program early “due to a program situation beyond your control,” according to an email obtained by […]
Americans impacted by 2024 natural disasters may qualify for extension to file taxes – NPR
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) signs will be seen outside the Washington, D.C. building on February 13th. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images North America Hide captions Toggle caption Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images North America If you are affected by a disaster in 2024, you will be eligible for an automatic extension to file taxes, according to the Internal Revenue […]
2024: A Year of Unprecedented Natural Disasters and a Troubling Future for FEMA
With the fate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) still unclear, experts indicate that last year marked one of the most devastating years for natural disasters across the United States. As per a recent Report by the International Institute for Environmental Development (IIED) and CNN, the previous year experienced significant levels of major disaster […]