Flooded towns across Appalachia are facing tough times in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, relying heavily on charity and local efforts after federal aid lagged behind. With over 100 lives lost, the Category 4 storm’s devastating impact continues to affect communities that feel abandoned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA’s slow response has sparked outrage as its priorities come into question. The agency’s website reveals that disaster preparedness is not even its top concern. Instead, FEMA places more emphasis on “equity” and “climate resilience” than on readying the nation for natural disasters. This shift has left many wondering whether political objectives are hindering their ability to perform life-saving operations.
Deanne Criswell, FEMA’s Administrator, assured the public that search-and-rescue teams were being sent to help those isolated by the storm in North Carolina and Tennessee. However, these efforts came days after the hurricane struck, leaving residents dependent on private helicopters and local responders.
President Joe Biden, when asked about providing additional resources to the affected areas, declined to make any further commitments. “We’ve given everything that we have,” Biden said, signaling a halt to further federal support.
Critics argue that under the Biden administration, FEMA’s focus has shifted from emergency response to political agendas. FEMA’s third priority, “promoting and sustaining a ready FEMA,” has taken a backseat to what many see as unnecessary distractions, leaving storm-ravaged communities without the help they need.
As Appalachia tries to recover, questions remain about FEMA’s ability to respond quickly and effectively in the future.
