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3mo ago

FEMA Faces Crisis as Hurricane Season Looms

Internal reports reveal unpreparedness, leadership turmoil, and policy shifts threatening disaster response readiness.

David Richardson, FEMA's acting administrator
Clean up continues inside the fire station after flooding on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in Westernport, Md. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Workers, community members, and business owners clean up debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Marshall, N.C., on Sept. 30, 2024.

Overview

  • An internal FEMA review warns the agency is not ready for the upcoming hurricane season, citing incomplete plans, reduced staffing, and unclear directives.
  • New acting Administrator David Richardson has acknowledged that 20% of the hurricane response plan remains unfinished just two weeks before the season begins.
  • Richardson announced plans to increase the state cost-share for disaster response from 25% to 50%, raising concerns about states' capacity to handle the financial burden.
  • FEMA has lost one-third of its full-time workforce since 2021, including senior staff, undermining institutional capacity and morale.
  • The Trump administration's push to downsize or eliminate FEMA has drawn bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers warning of significant risks to disaster preparedness and response.