fema
Outdated FEMA flood maps leave billions in damages uninsured
Hurricane Debby caused nearly $10 billion in uninsured damages due to outdated FEMA flood maps that failed to reflect current flood risks.
In short:
- Over 75% of properties damaged by Hurricane Debby were outside areas requiring flood insurance.
- FEMA's flood maps are outdated, with some over 50 years old, leaving many homes unprotected.
- Resistance from developers and local governments has stalled updates to the National Flood Insurance Program.
Why this matters:
As climate change increases flood risks, millions of Americans are vulnerable to catastrophic losses without the necessary insurance, risking severe financial and societal impacts.
Related EHN coverage:
Government aid falls short for small farms after floods
When historic floods devastated California farms, small farmers like Maria Narez and Nancy Nuñez struggled to recover due to inadequate government aid programs tailored for larger operations.
In short:
- Small farms, which make up two-thirds of California's farms, are vital for food diversity and community resilience but lack sufficient government support in disasters.
- Existing federal aid programs are not designed for small farmers who need immediate support, often requiring extensive paperwork and time that many cannot afford.
- Language barriers, insufficient insurance options and systemic discrimination further complicate access to disaster relief for small farmers, especially for those who are immigrants or non-English speakers.
Key quote:
“They say once life starts hitting you, it hits you, and it hits you, and it hits you again. And once you say, ‘I’m gonna be able to recover, I’m getting up,’ you get hit once more.”
— Maria Narez, farmer
Why this matters:
Small farms play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, local economies and sustainable practices. However, the lack of adequate disaster relief threatens their survival, risking greater food insecurity and economic disparity in rural communities.
Related EHN coverage:
Labor and environmental groups push FEMA to classify extreme heat as a major disaster
A coalition of labor, environmental, and healthcare organizations is urging FEMA to classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters, aiming to unlock federal funds for community protection and worker safety.
In short:
- More than 60 groups filed a petition for FEMA to classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters.
- The move is supported by major labor unions aiming to protect outdoor workers and those without air-conditioning during heat waves.
- Previous attempts to classify heat waves as disasters were denied, but petitioners cite the precedent of COVID-19's disaster declaration to bolster their case.
Key quote:
“We are never going to be able to address the changing climate or threats to the future under the existing system.”
— Brock Long, FEMA administrator during the Trump administration
Why this matters:
Extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. annually than hurricanes and floods combined. Recognizing heat as a major disaster would improve public health protections and infrastructure resilience. Read more: We are undercounting heat-related deaths in the US.
FEMA faces potential funding shortfall amid increasing natural disasters
With hurricanes and heat waves growing more severe, FEMA's funding might deplete before summer's end.
In short:
- Record-high ocean temperatures predict an intense hurricane season with up to 25 named storms and 4-7 major hurricanes.
- FEMA's disaster relief fund is projected to face a $1.3 billion shortfall by August and could be $6.8 billion in deficit by September.
- The agency may need to pause long-term recovery projects to manage immediate disaster responses, impacting overall disaster management.
Key quote:
"Without additional funding, FEMA will take steps prior to funding exhaustion to ensure resources are available to support ongoing lifesaving and life-sustaining activities."
— FEMA spokesperson
Why this matters:
The rising intensity of these weather events has stretched FEMA's resources thin. Just last year, the agency grappled with a series of devastating hurricanes and wildfires, and this year's forecasts suggest more of the same. With hurricane season in full swing and unprecedented heat waves scorching the nation, FEMA's budget, which must cover immediate disaster response and long-term recovery efforts, is under immense strain.
FEMA to cover costs of energy resilient post-disaster projects
FEMA overhauled a disaster aid program. Environmental justice communities could benefit most
Black Americans are more likely to live in flood zones and the majority of applicants for federal disaster aid are “lower income.” A new rule could help by streamlining applications.
As climate shocks worsen, FEMA tries a new approach to aid
The Biden administration is overhauling the country’s disaster assistance programs, expanding aid for survivors of hurricanes, wildfires and other catastrophes and making it easier to access.
