FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell warned on Sunday that FEMA’s disaster fund could run out within weeks, leading to potential delays in the federal response to natural disasters. Criswell emphasized the agency’s close monitoring of the fund, particularly in preparation for hurricane season. She explained that if funding falls short, certain non-life-saving recovery projects may have to be postponed until the next fiscal year. Criswell stated that the estimates indicate a potential depletion of the fund by mid-September, requiring daily monitoring of the situation.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there have already been 15 weather or climate disaster events causing over $1 billion in damage this year before August 8. Notably, this tally does not include the recent wildfires on Maui, which devastated the coastal city of Lahaina and caused an estimated $6 billion in damage. It is important to highlight that the peak of the hurricane season is not until September 11.
President Biden requested $12 billion from Congress to replenish the disaster fund in response to the wildfires and other natural disasters. However, Criswell expressed doubts regarding whether this amount would be sufficient. She emphasized that as the severity of weather events continues to increase, the dollar amount for the next fiscal year may need to be adjusted.
Criswell will be joining President Biden on a trip to Maui to witness the devastation caused by the wildfires and meet with survivors. She stressed the significance of the visit, stating that it allows the President to directly witness the impact and hear the stories of affected families. Criswell assured that the federal government is committed to providing the necessary resources for recovery and rebuilding.
While FEMA is addressing the wildfires, preparations are also underway to tackle the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Hilary on Southern California. Criswell mentioned that additional resources will be deployed to support the capable state in case the situation surpasses its capabilities.
It is worth noting that Caitlin Yilek, a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, provided this piece of news. She can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter at https://twitter.com/hausofcait.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
