FEMA Faces Funding Shortage as Hurricane Helene Devastates the Southeast

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is struggling with a funding shortfall as it addresses the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which devastated multiple states in the Southeast, particularly Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. The storm has killed over 160 people and left entire communities in ruins, especially in Asheville, North Carolina, where 57 people died. Despite a recent infusion of $20 billion for FEMA’s disaster relief fund, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned that the agency lacks the necessary resources to handle future storms, with hurricane season far from over. Congress may need to pass a supplemental spending bill to ensure FEMA can meet ongoing and future needs, but lawmakers are currently focused on campaigning for upcoming elections.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been visiting affected areas to oversee the relief efforts and reassure communities of continued federal support. Meanwhile, over 150,000 households have already registered for FEMA assistance, with numbers expected to rise as damage assessments continue. As hurricane season peaks in September and October, Mayorkas expressed concern about FEMA’s capacity to respond without additional funding from Congress.