FEMA’s response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton faces severe criticism as nearly half of aid calls go unanswered, leaving disaster victims in dire straits.
At a Glance
- FEMA failed to answer nearly half of the calls for aid during Hurricanes Helene and Milton
- Answered calls faced average wait times exceeding an hour
- Over 100 people died in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene, with 229 deaths across seven states
- FEMA officials admit the agency is understaffed and lacks funds for the rest of the hurricane season
- The Harris-Biden administration faces criticism for its disaster relief response
FEMA’s Communication Breakdown
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is under fire for its inadequate response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Reports indicate that nearly half of the calls seeking help received no response, while those that did connect faced extensive wait times. This communication failure has left countless disaster victims without crucial assistance during their time of need.
After all the criticism FEMA faced, you’d think they’d get their act together on something as simple as answering the phone…
The severity of the situation is highlighted by the staggering number of unanswered calls. In just one week, FEMA received 900,000 calls, with 47% going unanswered. Those fortunate enough to get through experienced average wait times exceeding an hour. This breakdown in communication has not only frustrated disaster victims but has also ignited intense political debate about FEMA’s effectiveness in managing emergencies.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton have left FEMA struggling to handle phone calls from survivors and maintain staffing.
(📷 Chris Carlson/AP) pic.twitter.com/cbroMaUeqR
— POLITICO (@politico) November 1, 2024
Funding Shortfalls and Staffing Issues
At the heart of FEMA’s struggles lies a critical shortage of personnel and financial resources. The agency is currently responding to 110 major disasters with limited available workers, stretching its capabilities to the breaking point. FEMA officials have openly admitted that the agency is understaffed and lacks the necessary funds to effectively manage the remainder of the hurricane season.
“I have over 100 open disasters,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said.
Maybe the Biden administration could…you know…do something about it?
The funding crisis is further exacerbated by the allocation of $640.9 million in FEMA funds to aid state and local governments with asylum seekers. This diversion of resources has significantly limited FEMA’s flexibility in addressing hurricane-related emergencies. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged the dire situation, stating that FEMA “does not have the funds” to adequately respond to the current crises.
Political Fallout and Criticism
The Harris-Biden administration’s handling of disaster relief has become a significant issue in the presidential election. Former President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism, describing the federal response to Hurricane Helene as “terrible.” This sentiment is echoed by many affected residents and lawmakers who have expressed frustration with FEMA’s response times and inefficiencies.
The human toll of these communication and funding failures is stark. Over 100 people died in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene alone, with a total of 229 deaths reported across seven states. These tragic numbers underscore the critical importance of an effective and well-resourced disaster response system.
Despite the challenges, FEMA reports sending $1.2 billion in relief to the six most damaged states. The agency has deployed over 1,400 Disaster Survivor Assistance team members to affected neighborhoods and established numerous disaster recovery centers. However, these efforts have been overshadowed by the agency’s inability to handle the volume of aid requests effectively.
As the hurricane season continues, FEMA faces the daunting task of addressing its staffing and funding shortfalls while attempting to improve its disaster response capabilities. The agency’s struggles serve as a stark reminder of the need for a robust and well-prepared emergency management system in the face of increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters.
It’s time for Biden and Harris to step up. This matters.
