WASHINGTON (AP) – With predictions for a busy hurricane season beginning Sunday, experts in storms and disasters are worried about something potentially as chaotic as the swirling winds: Massive cuts to the federal system that forecasts, tracks and responds to hurricanes. Reporter Bernie Bennett explains. VERBATIM: Experts are alarmed over the large-scale staff reductions, travel […]
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Hurricane Season is Here
WASHINGTON (AP) – With predictions for a busy hurricane season beginning Sunday, experts in storms and disasters are worried about something potentially as chaotic as the swirling winds: Massive cuts to the federal system that forecasts, tracks and responds to hurricanes. Reporter Bernie Bennett explains.
VERBATIM: Experts are alarmed over the large-scale staff reductions, travel and training restrictions and grant cut-offs since President Donald Trump took office at both the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which prepares for and responds to hurricanes, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which tracks and forecasts them.
Representatives of both NOAA and FEMA say the agencies are prepared.
Scholars who study emergency management are concerned by both the reduction in capacity and the “brain drain” of experienced staff.