FEMA outlines response to hurricanes Helene and Milton amid widespread devastation across Southeast
December 31, 2024 | Oversight and Reform: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability convened to discuss the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) response to the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. Chairman Comer and ranking member Raskin led the meeting, emphasizing the importance of legislative support and oversight for FEMA's operations.
FEMA Administrator highlighted the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida as a category 4 storm on September 26, 2024. The hurricane caused severe damage as it moved through several states, including Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, resulting in historic rainfall and widespread flooding. Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton intensified into a category 5 storm, further devastating communities still recovering from Helene. Together, these storms led to over 200 fatalities and significant destruction across the Southeastern United States.
The Administrator detailed FEMA's proactive measures, including the pre-positioning of assets and personnel, and collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. The agency prioritized search and rescue operations, restored critical infrastructure, and delivered essential supplies to affected residents. Despite facing challenges, including misinformation about FEMA's efforts on social media, the agency's workforce remained committed to their mission, often delaying their own recovery to assist others.
The meeting underscored the ongoing need for effective disaster response and recovery strategies, as well as the importance of clear communication to combat misinformation. As communities continue to rebuild, FEMA's role in facilitating recovery efforts remains crucial.
FEMA Administrator highlighted the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida as a category 4 storm on September 26, 2024. The hurricane caused severe damage as it moved through several states, including Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, resulting in historic rainfall and widespread flooding. Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton intensified into a category 5 storm, further devastating communities still recovering from Helene. Together, these storms led to over 200 fatalities and significant destruction across the Southeastern United States.
The Administrator detailed FEMA's proactive measures, including the pre-positioning of assets and personnel, and collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. The agency prioritized search and rescue operations, restored critical infrastructure, and delivered essential supplies to affected residents. Despite facing challenges, including misinformation about FEMA's efforts on social media, the agency's workforce remained committed to their mission, often delaying their own recovery to assist others.
The meeting underscored the ongoing need for effective disaster response and recovery strategies, as well as the importance of clear communication to combat misinformation. As communities continue to rebuild, FEMA's role in facilitating recovery efforts remains crucial.
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