Kristi Noem's handling of South Dakota flood raises doubts about FEMA readiness
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s response to catastrophic June floods has left residents questioning her ability to manage disasters as she is nominated to lead Homeland Security.
Peter Jamison and Isaac Stanley-Becker report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Residents of McCook Lake in North Sioux City, S.D., criticize Noem’s disaster response, citing delayed evacuation orders and lack of National Guard support during June floods.
- Noem waited over a month to request federal disaster aid, leaving victims without assistance while nearby Iowa mobilized resources and received aid quickly.
- Critics question Noem’s priorities, noting her focus on political events while disaster-stricken communities relied on private donations and local volunteers.
Key quote:
“I feel foolish for thinking that my government would take care of me in an emergency. Where are her priorities, and who is she looking out for? Because it’s definitely not me. It’s definitely not my neighborhood.”
— Kathy Roberts, North Sioux City resident
Why this matters:
Effective disaster management saves lives and supports recovery, especially as climate change drives more frequent and severe weather events. Noem’s handling of the floods raises concerns about her capacity to lead FEMA during national crises.
Related: Trump nominates Kristi Noem for Homeland Security role, raising climate concerns
