Storms Intensify, But FEMA Faces Axe [Leak Chaos]
The White House suddenly canceled a key meeting on reshaping FEMA after a leaked report revealed plans to slash the agency's staff and shift disaster duties to states. This comes as climate-driven storms, floods, and wildfires grow fiercer, overwhelming local resources and demanding stronger federal support. Critics warn that weakening FEMA now could leave Americans vulnerable during the next big crisis, like the devastating hurricanes we've seen ramp up due to global warming. With disasters hitting harder and more often, a robust FEMA is crucial for saving lives and rebuilding communities.
A committee set up by President Trump was set to vote on big changes to FEMA, America's main disaster response agency. But right before the meeting in Washington, a draft report leaked showing plans to cut half the staff and make FEMA a smaller player, stepping in only for the worst events.
The White House pulled the plug without explanation, leaving even council members confused outside the venue. The report aimed to push more responsibility to states, but experts say states lack the funds and setup to handle mega-storms alone, especially with cuts to preparedness grants.
This year dodged major U.S. hurricane hits, but climate change is supercharging storms, wildfires, and floods. FEMA's workload has doubled in 20 years as extremes worsen. Former insiders worry this chaos signals disarray, risking repeats of past failures like Katrina.
Survivors like Treva Gear from Hurricane Helene stress states need federal backup. Groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists slam the moves as dangerous, urging protection for FEMA to face intensifying climate threats. Strong federal action now means faster aid and resilient communities later.