FEMA and NOAA Budget Cuts Threaten US Hurricane Response, Experts Warn

The Trump administration's budget cuts to NOAA and FEMA have sparked concerns among experts about the nation's preparedness for hurricanes. The cuts have left many states with insufficient resources to effectively respond to and recover from these devastating natural disasters. "I think there's no doubt that they will feel the impact," says Gavin Smith, a professor at North Carolina State University, referring to communities in hurricane-prone areas. The video shows footage of widespread damage caused by previous hurricanes, underscoring the urgency of the situation. While some states possess the resources to absorb the burden of federal cuts, others lack the capacity and even the political will to invest proactively in disaster mitigation. The growing threat of climate change further exacerbates the problem, promising more intense and frequent hurricanes in the future. Professor Smith emphasizes the importance of investing more in front-end disaster preparedness to protect communities and make the nation safer.