Residents across Appalachia, devastated by Hurricane Helene, are questioning the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) priorities after they were forced to rely on local charities and first responders instead of federal aid. The Category 4 storm left more than 100 people dead and numerous communities struggling for survival.
FEMA’s response has been criticized for focusing on “equity” and “climate resilience” rather than being ready to handle the immediate needs of disaster victims. According to FEMA’s website, promoting “equity as a foundation of emergency management” is a higher priority than preparing for emergencies. This has left many wondering if the agency is more concerned with political agendas than saving lives during natural disasters.
While FEMA’s Administrator Deanne Criswell assured the public that search-and-rescue teams were being sent to areas affected by the hurricane, residents are left questioning why resources weren’t pre-staged in advance. In an interview, Criswell acknowledged that more teams were being deployed but failed to explain why it took so long for help to arrive.
President Joe Biden declined to offer additional support to the regions suffering from what officials are calling unprecedented destruction. When asked if the federal government could provide more resources, Biden replied, “No.”
Critics argue that under Biden’s administration, FEMA has become more concerned with promoting “identity politics” than preparing for emergencies. The appointment of former White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice to focus on “rooting out systemic racism” within federal agencies has only added to the perception that disaster response is being overshadowed by political priorities.
As Appalachia struggles to recover, many are left to wonder if FEMA’s focus on “equity” and “climate resilience” is coming at the cost of lives in the wake of natural disasters.
