Hurricane Helene’s destruction across Appalachia has left many wondering if FEMA’s priorities are misplaced. With over 100 dead and many communities dependent on charity, residents are questioning why federal aid was delayed in the days following the Category 4 storm.
While the storm brewed, FEMA’s focus appeared to be on issues like “equity” and “climate resilience,” according to its website. Emergency preparedness ranked third among its priorities, raising concerns that political objectives are interfering with the agency’s core mission of disaster response.
Deanne Criswell, FEMA’s Administrator, claimed that search-and-rescue teams were sent to help those in need, but residents question why these resources were not pre-staged for faster deployment. Private helicopters and local responders stepped in to provide assistance while waiting for federal support.
President Joe Biden also came under fire after stating that there were no additional resources to provide to the affected areas. His response raised concerns that the federal government is not adequately prepared to handle such catastrophic events.
Critics argue that under Biden’s administration, FEMA’s attention to political issues such as “identity politics” has taken precedence over critical disaster response. The appointment of Susan Rice to oversee “rooting out systemic racism” in federal agencies has led many to believe that the agency’s mission has shifted away from its most important function: saving lives during emergencies.
As residents of Appalachia work to rebuild, questions remain about whether FEMA will prioritize disaster response in future emergencies.