Federal Disasters Plague Alaska Amid Trump Era Cuts: 'FEMA Funding is Being Kept Out of Disaster Survivors' Hands'
A powerful storm system ripped through remote communities in southwestern Alaska, displacing hundreds and forcing survivors into makeshift shelters. The disaster has highlighted a faltering federal response to one of the worst storms in the state's history, sparking renewed scrutiny over President Trump's efforts to dismantle weather and climate protections.
According to emergency management experts, the delayed federal response could be attributed to drastic cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) made by the Trump administration. The agency's budget has been drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of personnel, equipment, and resources necessary for disaster relief.
"It seems likely that these cuts have had an effect on the model performance," said Rick Thoman, a former National Weather Service meteorologist, in a recent post for The Conversation. "This one's final track and intensity weren't clear until the storm was within 36 hours of crossing into Alaska waters." This lack of clarity complicated evacuation efforts, leaving many communities vulnerable to the disaster.
The Trump administration has proposed phasing out FEMA this year and handing over disaster response duties to states. Experts warn that this would make the country less prepared for the worsening climate crisis, which is expected to bring more frequent and intense natural disasters in the future.
"We have been managing up here," said an Alaska-based federal meteorologist, requesting anonymity due to staffing constraints. "We are understaffed, though. It seems like there is more on all our plates with the staffing shortages."
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees weather forecasting, has also faced significant cuts under the Trump administration. Staffing shortages have led to reduced operations at some remote offices in Alaska and the Midwest.
The effects of climate change are already being felt in western Alaska, where record-breaking flooding and coastal erosion are displacing communities. The region is particularly vulnerable due to rising sea levels and warming ocean temperatures.
In response to the crisis, Governor Mike Dunleavy has estimated that it may take over 18 months for survivors to return home due to the severity of the damage. Meanwhile, Trump authorized a federal disaster declaration nearly a week after being requested by Dunleavy, sparking criticism from emergency management experts who claim the delay is "absolutely insane" and will keep funding out of the hands of those most affected.
As the region struggles to recover, many are left wondering why the federal government failed to respond in a timely manner. The disaster highlights the need for increased investment in weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, particularly as climate change continues to intensify extreme weather events worldwide.
A powerful storm system ripped through remote communities in southwestern Alaska, displacing hundreds and forcing survivors into makeshift shelters. The disaster has highlighted a faltering federal response to one of the worst storms in the state's history, sparking renewed scrutiny over President Trump's efforts to dismantle weather and climate protections.
According to emergency management experts, the delayed federal response could be attributed to drastic cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) made by the Trump administration. The agency's budget has been drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of personnel, equipment, and resources necessary for disaster relief.
"It seems likely that these cuts have had an effect on the model performance," said Rick Thoman, a former National Weather Service meteorologist, in a recent post for The Conversation. "This one's final track and intensity weren't clear until the storm was within 36 hours of crossing into Alaska waters." This lack of clarity complicated evacuation efforts, leaving many communities vulnerable to the disaster.
The Trump administration has proposed phasing out FEMA this year and handing over disaster response duties to states. Experts warn that this would make the country less prepared for the worsening climate crisis, which is expected to bring more frequent and intense natural disasters in the future.
"We have been managing up here," said an Alaska-based federal meteorologist, requesting anonymity due to staffing constraints. "We are understaffed, though. It seems like there is more on all our plates with the staffing shortages."
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees weather forecasting, has also faced significant cuts under the Trump administration. Staffing shortages have led to reduced operations at some remote offices in Alaska and the Midwest.
The effects of climate change are already being felt in western Alaska, where record-breaking flooding and coastal erosion are displacing communities. The region is particularly vulnerable due to rising sea levels and warming ocean temperatures.
In response to the crisis, Governor Mike Dunleavy has estimated that it may take over 18 months for survivors to return home due to the severity of the damage. Meanwhile, Trump authorized a federal disaster declaration nearly a week after being requested by Dunleavy, sparking criticism from emergency management experts who claim the delay is "absolutely insane" and will keep funding out of the hands of those most affected.
As the region struggles to recover, many are left wondering why the federal government failed to respond in a timely manner. The disaster highlights the need for increased investment in weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, particularly as climate change continues to intensify extreme weather events worldwide.
The federal government's decision to phase out FEMA has resulted in a lack of preparedness for natural disasters, putting the country at risk of being less equipped to handle the consequences of climate change. It's clear that cutting funding and resources has had a devastating impact on disaster response efforts in Alaska, and it's not just about the state – it's about the entire nation's ability to prepare for extreme weather events. The Trump administration's actions seem more focused on short-term gains than long-term sustainability.
... I mean, a powerful storm system rips through Alaska, displacing hundreds of people and forcing them into makeshift shelters, but the federal response is so slow it's almost like they're not even trying 
. And all this because the Trump administration decided to cut funding for FEMA by like 50% or something? That's just ridiculous. I mean, we know climate change is real and it's getting worse, so why would you want to make things harder for people who are already struggling?
The fact that Governor Dunleavy thinks it may take 18 months for survivors to return home just because of the damage says everything about how ineffective the federal government is in this situation.
i mean we all know climate change is no joke and we need to be investing in better weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, not cutting back 
it makes total sense that evacuation efforts were complicated due to lack of clear info from the agency's models 
it's crazy how alaska is getting hit hard with disasters under trump 
we really need better investments in weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, especially since climate change is bringing more intense natural disasters our way 
people r saying that trumps cuts 2 FEMA is super bad news 4 disaster survivors 
they gotta rely on states 2 respond 2 these disasters now 
at least ppl r speakin out about this stuff 
meanwhile, climate change is getting worse by the minute 
️ it's time for some serious investment in weather forecasting & disaster prep 
. Guess that's progress, right?
it's not just an "alaska thing" - it's a global issue. rising sea levels are gonna affect everyone, regardless of where they live. we need to invest in weather forecasting & disaster preparedness NOW, not later 
. The fact that Governor Dunleavy had to wait nearly a week for Trump to declare a federal disaster makes it clear that more needs to be done by the feds to support states like Alaska during these crises 
.
. We need more funding for disaster preparedness and weather forecasting, not less 
, it's just not right. The whole situation feels like a perfect storm of incompetence 
.
and it's literally on the most gorgeous coastline ever. Like, you can hike for miles without seeing a single building. And then I started thinking... have you guys ever noticed how some of those trails are literally right on the edge of cliffs? 
. Governor Dunleavy's estimate of 18 months for survivors to return home is wild, though... that's just not fair 
.
it's like they're not even trying anymore... cuts to FEMA is just crazy 
thingy. and 18 months to recover? no way, that's just not right 
what happened to the Trump admin's promise of taking care of Alaska? now it seems like they just didn't want to bother 