Just two days after catastrophic floods devastated Central Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) faced significant criticism for its inadequate response. According to internal documents reviewed by The New York Times, the agency failed to answer nearly two-thirds of calls made to its disaster assistance line.
The lack of responsiveness from FEMA can be traced back to a significant reduction in staffing. Reports indicate that the agency terminated hundreds of contractors working at call centers on July 5, after their contracts expired and were not renewed. This decision left FEMA ill-prepared to handle the influx of calls following the devastating floods, which have claimed the lives of over 120 individuals in Texas.
A source familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity to discuss internal matters, revealed that the homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, implemented a new policy requiring her personal approval for expenses exceeding $100,000. This bureaucratic delay meant that the renewal of contractor contracts was not completed until July 10, five days after their expiration.
As FEMA continues to face intense scrutiny regarding its response to the Texas floods, the agency has also been criticized for its slow activation of essential teams responsible for coordinating response efforts and search-and-rescue operations. The circumstances surrounding the unanswered calls on July 6 have raised alarms among disaster response advocates.
Despite the agency's challenges, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, who chose to remain unnamed, defended FEMA's actions in an email statement. “When a natural disaster strikes, phone calls surge, and wait times can subsequently increase. Despite this expected influx, FEMA’s disaster call center responded to every caller swiftly and efficiently, ensuring no one was left without assistance,” the spokesperson claimed.
In the wake of natural disasters like floods and hurricanes, survivors often rely on FEMA for various types of financial assistance. For instance, individuals who have lost their homes can apply for a one-time payment of $750, which helps to cover immediate needs such as food and essential supplies.
The current situation underscores the importance of a responsive disaster management system, especially during critical times when communities are in dire need of support and resources. As recovery efforts continue, it remains to be seen how FEMA will address the challenges it faces and ensure that those affected by the floods receive the assistance they need.
