Precipitation, FEMA not answering calls, what’s next?
As Vermonters, we’ve experienced floods, given it is not as severe as those in Texas. Texas has been experiencing floods and has had an unfortunate death toll from the water. As of now, 129 people have passed in the Guadalupe River, and the numbers can continue to rise if Texas expects harsher flooding within the coming weeks. The estimated damage costs so far are up to 18 million from 22 million. Officials reported that 27 bodies were reported from an all-girls Christian camp. Donald Trump, alongside First Lady Melania, surveyed the Lone Star State, stating, “I’ve never seen anything like this and I’ve seen a lot of bad ones.” The numbers of missing people are estimated at 170 people, 163 alone in Kerr County. The governor pledged to keep the efforts up until all missing people are found.
FEMA refuses to answer?
After Donald Trump’s move to lay off staff from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the organization unable to answer calls from hundreds of citizens for flood relief. From the New York Times, a whistleblower from FEMA revealed that many were fired from call centers, and due to the firings, calls couldn’t be picked up from the call centers. After the firings, FEMA received 2,363 calls and only answered 846, roughly about ⅓.
What’s to come for Texas?
Texas is expecting to encounter more and more flash floods in the dog days of summer, and more efforts to help the citizens. FEMA has been going door-to-door assisting victims of the flood. FEMA has also been set up with semi semi-permanent spot to help those with businesses or individuals. In the future, the Trump Administration plans to set a threshold on how much damage there is before federal help is issued. Texas will continue to see flood threats throughout the month.