Recovery

In light of federal plans to phase out FEMA by the end of 2025, artificial intelligence can help multiply and streamline state and local preparation for, response to and recovery from wildfires, hurricanes and floods.

A preliminary estimate from Accuweather estimates millions of dollars in loss from flash flooding in the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. The death toll now exceeds 100 and search and rescue efforts continue.

Emergency responders are using boats, drones, helicopters and horses to search the devastated Hill Country area. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration Sunday for Kerr County.

Officials with the state Department of Emergency Services are still assessing the total damages, but have said that state resources have so far been largely unnecessary thanks to the strong response from local communities.

If passed by the Missouri House, the money would pay for cleanup and debris removal in the city following a May 16 tornado, similar to when the state receives federal emergency relief dollars.

Gov. Andy Beshear submitted an expedited major disaster declaration to the Trump administration after tornadoes in the southern part of the state killed 19. It is unclear when federal officials will respond.

Environmental researchers are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to uphold California's wildfire recovery protocol to conduct soil sampling to ensure burned-down homes do not contain unhealthy levels of toxic substances.

The Trump administration has indicated states should play a bigger role in disaster recovery. As hurricane season approaches, Mississippi communities consider how they would recover without assistance from FEMA.

Federal aid meant to help protect Florida communities from natural disasters has been frozen since January. A large portion of funds would have come from the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program.

In response to widespread flooding last month, FEMA has approved Individual Assistance funding for residents in six West Virginia counties. Some victims may also now be eligible for food assistance from the USDA.

SB 2069 would establish a position on the state's Disaster Preparedness Commission to assist New Yorkers in navigating the insurance process after an emergency event. Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed the same bill last year.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced plans to hire for 26 roles like disaster field training operations, hazard mitigation and IT, among others, in the Eaton and Palisades disaster areas.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the state's $40.5 billion budget this week, a portion of which will go toward recovery from Hurricane Helene, including rebuilding roads and structures and grants that can be used to repair homes.

As disasters like severe flooding in Appalachia become more regular occurrences, we must do more than celebrate community resilience. Investments in infrastructure and systems that can withstand major events are essential.

Residents in parts of West Virginia hit by severe flooding last week are encouraged to fill out forms reporting associated property damages. These surveys will help FEMA determine whether it can provide assistance.