The Homeland Security Department is gearing up for what is anticipated to be a challenging hurricane and wildfire season. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed confidence in the agency's readiness but raised concerns about potential budget shortfalls. As temperatures soar in various parts of the U.S., Mayorkas highlighted the possibility of extreme heat being classified as a major disaster under federal law.
Mayorkas emphasized that FEMA, the agency responsible for disaster response, has been honing its response capabilities due to the escalating impacts of climate change. The Atlantic hurricane season, which commenced on June 1, is predicted to be exceptionally active this year, with experts warning of potentially record-breaking storms. Tropical Storm Alberto has already brought heavy rainfall to parts of Mexico.
Despite FEMA's preparedness, Mayorkas expressed apprehension regarding the agency's disaster relief fund. He cautioned that the fund is projected to be depleted by mid-August, necessitating urgent congressional action to replenish it. In the event of fund exhaustion, FEMA would resort to immediate needs funding, reallocating resources from other programs to address critical, life-saving requirements.
The ongoing heatwave across much of the country has prompted discussions about categorizing extreme heat as a natural disaster akin to hurricanes and floods. Advocates and lawmakers have urged FEMA to recognize extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters under the Stafford Act, citing their significant public health implications and the need for federal support in mitigating their effects.
Mayorkas clarified that while federal assistance is available for disasters where local resources are insufficient, historically, communities have managed extreme heat and smoke events independently. The petition to include extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters underscores the growing recognition of these phenomena as critical environmental and public health challenges.
