Recommendations of the Editorial team
The reaction of the US authorities to the fatal floods in Texas about the independence weekend was anything but ideal, according to several reports.
Obstacles due to expenditure rule delay aid assignments
Sources within the Federal Employment Agency (FEMA) reported CNN, that the auxiliary measures were hindered by spending blockswho were introduced by Homeland Protection Minister Kristi NoEM. At the same time, the “New York Times” reported that Fema reacted slowly when activating search and rescue operations. All by referring to half a dozen current and former FEMA officials and disaster experts.
The Trump government is particularly critical of CNN’s report, since it had only introduced a regulation at the Ministry of Homeland Protection last month, according to which NoEM has to approve any transfer of the authorities or a grant of over $ 100,000. At the time, Fema had warned that this regulation could limit its ability to efficiently react to disasters. Especially since large-scale operations from first aiders quickly require millions or even billion dollars.
“We worked according to clear guidelines. Act proactively. Be prepared. Promotively recognize the needs of the state. And be ready for use,” a feman employee told CNN. “This goal is no longer so clear to us.”
Noem rejects allegations-DHS calls CNN report “Lies”
While local authorities tried to react to the devastating floods in which at least 120 people were killed, potential aids under Fema control could not be used due to delays in the approval of funds. Several sources reported CNN that NoEM only released the financing for the sending of Fema-Urban Search and Rescue teams more than 72 hours after the floods started on Friday.
Noem rejected the reports on Thursday in an interview with Fox News as an “absolute garbage”. The Ministry of Homeland Security replied in a long statement on Wednesday. And described the report as “Fake News lie from CNN”.
Noem “leads a historical, first -time approach to disaster financing. States are the focus of receiving support for reconstruction in advance. Geldern flows faster than ever, and reconstruction begins immediately. This is a breakthrough in the way Fema supports state -run disaster relief,” it said in the explanation published on social media.
Future of Fema uncertain – Trump wants to abolish the authority
The ministry said that Noem had “traveled to Texas. And is working on the day and night to approve every conceivable need for the search and rescue workers”, while “these ‘journalists’ conveniently slept in DC.”
While the Ministry of Homeland Protection Femas is praising the use of the disaster in Texas, the future of the authority remains uncertain. President Trump and his allies continue to seem determined to completely abolish Fema.
On Wednesday, while search and rescue operations in central texas continued with FEMA participation, Noem said: “This entire authority must be abolished in its current form and converted into a reactionable institution.”
“Disaster protection at the federal level should be managed by the states and municipalities. Not as it has been handled for decades,” added NoEM.
Earlier disaster aid applications rejected – also republican -managed states affected
The government has been trying to dismantle Fema since Trump’s taking office. However, she has so far not found any way to avoid reality that natural disasters do not adhere to political schedules. Trump decided last month that Fema can remain active until the end of the hurricane season. Before the breakdown begins. This decision was followed by warnings from meteorologists and other experts that the 2025 hurricane season could be over average.
Areas that were affected in the first months of the second Trump administration of natural disasters already felt the effects of rejections and delays in the provision of aid. In May, the Trump government dismissed North Carolina’s application to redeem an obligation from the bidea era. Accordingly, FEMA should cover 100 percent of the cost of eliminating ruins according to Hurricane Helene. Conservatively guided states such as Arkansas and Missouri also had difficulty getting disaster aids in good time.
According to a report by News 6 Orlando from June, the city of Lake Helen in Florida – several times affected by Hurrikans such as Ian, Nicole and Milton – is fighting $ 2 million. Which have not yet been reimbursed by Fema. Although corresponding applications are still open.
The Trump government, on the other hand, does not seem to be interested in helping states to cope with natural disasters.