Latest news with #Disaster
E&E News
a day ago
- Business
- E&E News
Trump seeks record-high FEMA funding after vowing to cut agency
President Donald Trump is seeking a multibillion-dollar spending increase for disasters next year after vowing for months to cut the federal response to hurricanes, wildfires and other damaging events. Trump asked Congress to approve a record-high $26.5 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund, which reimburses states for disaster cleanup and recovery. Trump's request is 17 percent higher than President Joe Biden's $22.5 billion request for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1. 'The numbers here kind of contradict the narrative recently — in a good way. It's coming out better than expected,' said Carrie Speranza, head of the U.S. division of the International Association of Emergency Managers. Advertisement Since he took office in January, Trump has assailed the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which runs the disaster fund, for what he said was a poor response to Hurricane Helene last fall in North Carolina. Trump has suggested 'abolishing' the agency or scaling it back and giving states more responsibility for disasters.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Natural disasters cost Australia $2.2 billion in first six months of 2025
The Treasury has flagged GDP figures may be lower than expected this quarter due to a huge economic loss from natural disasters so far in 2025. New analysis by the Treasury has estimated the immediate loss of economic activity from natural disasters so far in 2025 is $2.2 billion. The huge costs of disasters this year, include the impacts of flooding in the NSW Hunter and mid-North Coast regions, as well as Cyclone Alfred and flooding in western Queensland and Far North Queensland. Most of the loss will affect the March quarter, the Treasury said, which is to be reflected in National Accounts released on Wednesday. The natural disasters have also had an impact on retail trade and household spending, data from the March quarter suggests. Retail trade in Queensland dropped 0.3% in February and 0.4% in March. Household spending was flat nationally, with a 0.2% drop in Queensland contributing. Treasurer Jim Chalmers highlighted the dual focus on human and economic costs, with continued disaster assistance. 'Our government's first priority is helping to fund the recovery and rebuild for communities hit hard by all the heavy weather we're seeing more and more frequently,' he said in a release. 'The human impacts matter to us most, but the economic cost is very significant too and we'll see that in Wednesday's National Accounts. 'The Government will be there for people in disaster hit regions, just like they're there for each other.' Mr Chalmers added they have activated disaster assistance to the Hunter and mid-North Coast regions of NSW. 'Because of the progress Australians have made together in the economy, with inflation down, debt down and unemployment low, we're in a stronger position to provide support when communities need it most,' he said. Meanwhile, Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain stressed the importance of preparedness and long-term recovery, with an extra $200 million to be invested via the Disaster Ready Fund in 2025–26. 'Our Government is committed to preparedness and resilience in order to protect communities when disasters strike,' she said. 'We are committed to funding support to increase resilience, adaptability and preparedness. Our Disaster Ready Fund initiative will provide another $200 million of investment in 2025-26.' Ms McBain said she has recently been on the ground in NSW, and has seen first hand the effects a disaster can have. 'We have activated multiple disaster payments and we will continue to work with NSW on any other funding requests and I have been meeting with small business and primary producers who have been hit hard,' she said. 'For a lot of these people, it's the cumulative impact of a number of events and we understand that. 'That's why recovery isn't going to be over the next couple of days when cameras and lights are on the area. It's going to be days, weeks and months that we'll walk with these communities.' Leader of the opposition Sussan Ley is expected to visit flood affected communities on the Mid North Coast on Monday morning, along with local MPs.
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Karnataka governor urges grassroots disaster committees, highlights tech role
BENGALURU: Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday stressed the need for grassroots participation in disaster preparedness, urging the formation of disaster management committees at the village level. Speaking at the World Disaster Management Conference at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), he highlighted that local communities play a crucial role in reducing the impact of disasters. 'The local community is the backbone of disaster management. Empowering, training and making people aware at the grassroots level can significantly reduce the impact of disasters,' the governor said. He called for better training and resource support for these committees and advocated introducing disaster awareness training from the school level itself. The conference, held under the theme - Technology for Climate and Disaster Resilience - also highlighted the role of technology in disaster management. Gehlot pointed out that tools like AI, big data, satellite imaging, GIS mapping, drones and mobile alerts are transforming how disasters are detected, managed and mitigated. He stressed the importance of incorporating disaster resilience into national development policies and praised India's leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for advancing disaster preparedness. He also lauded the upcoming World Disaster Management Conference scheduled in Uttarakhand this November. The event was attended by Prof Durgesh Pant, Director General of the Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology, and Prof Umesh Waghmare of JNCASR.
GMA Network
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- GMA Network
OCD: San Juanico Bridge emergency repair could reach P500M
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Sunday said the cost of the emergency repair of the San Juanico Bridge in Eastern Visayas could reach P500 million. 'Very rough estimate po ito, wala pang masyadong detalye. Between ?300 to ?500 million kung kinakailangan pang repair (this is a rough estimate and there are no details yet. The repair would need between P300 million to P500 million),' OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno told Super Radyo dzBB. He added the government is studying whether the funds could be acquired from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund since the Department of Public Works and Highways has yet to allocate funds for the planned repair. According to DPWH, the recent assessment raised concerns about San Juanico Bridge's structural integrity. As part of precautions, DPWH temporarily prohibits vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge. 'Those traversing the bridge must use the centerline, proceeding ONE AT A TIME, and should follow all on-site traffic directions,' the department said in a social media post. 'This measure is strictly enforced to ensure motorist safety, mitigate risks associated with identified damage, and facilitate essential repair and maintenance work,' it added. Vehicles exceeding the weight limit may use the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels in the following ports: Tacloban Port Calbayog Port Catbalogan Port Biliran Port Ormoc Port Manguinoo Port, Calbayog Samar Hilongos Port Maasin Port Naval Port Palompon Port Calubian Port Villaba Port Blue Alert The Office of Civil Defense - Eastern Visayas and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are on blue alert following the enforcement of the vehicle weight limit. A blue alert status means both agencies are at a heightened preparedness and alertness. 'This alert is issued in anticipation of slow-onset disasters or potential escalation of the situation. It underscores the need for heightened readiness, proactive measures, and strengthened inter-agency coordination to ensure the smooth flow of essential goods and services while mitigating emerging risks and disruptions,' the OCD said in a statement. A San Juanico Task Group has been formed to oversee security, safety, and operational coordination in the area. Meanwhile, the Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Saturday recommended the declaration of a State of Emergency in Samar to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Starting Sunday, May 18, pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the bridge on foot. Instead, they will be using coasters and light vehicles as a safety measure. Built in 1969 and completed in 1973, San Juanico Bridge is the the third longest bridge spanning a body of seawater in the Philippines, connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Whitmer seeks more time to prepare federal disaster aid request after ice storm
NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requested an extension from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Monday, April 21 to submit a request for a Major Disaster Declaration in relation to the historic early spring ice storm that hit Northern Michigan. From March 28-30, Northern Michigan was battered by storms that produced several inches of ice, resulting in widespread power outages, fallen trees and impassable roads. 'The historic ice storms in Northern Michigan have required an all-hands-on-deck approach to help get the power back on, clear roads and keep people safe,' Whitmer said in a press release. 'With recovery efforts still ongoing, I am asking FEMA for an extension to submit a major disaster declaration request, so we can get a complete picture of what resources and support these local communities need as they recover from this devastating storm. We'll continue coordinating closely with first-responders, local communities, our federal partners and Michiganders on the ground. Michiganders are strong, and we'll get through this together.' In the letter, Whitmer asked for an extension until May 29. More: National Linemen Appreciation Day takes on new meaning in Northern Michigan this year Recovery operations and response to the storm are still in effect more than three weeks later, with local jurisdictions working to identify community needs. According to the release from Whitmer's office, local damage assessments have been largely completed, paving the way for the Preliminary Damage Assessments that start this week. U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, along with State Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) and State Reps. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan), Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs) and Ken Borton (R-Gaylord), spoke in support of the extension request. According to the release, each mentioned that the extreme damage from the storm has limited the ability to have a complete assessment of the resources necessary to rebuild. 'This was a devastating storm that unfolded in slow motion, with wave after wave of ice and trees falling day after day,' Damoose said in a statement. 'Because of the magnitude of the damage, and the fact that it took weeks to even be able to access certain areas within the counties under emergency declaration, damage assessment takes much longer to accurately complete than what one may see in a shorter event like a tornado or hurricane. We hope that Governor Whitmer's request for an extension is approved by FEMA, because Northern Michigan is still in crisis.' More: Proposed bill would start relief funding to Northern Michigan to help with ice storm toll Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage According to Whitmer's office, the State of Michigan will be conducting joint Preliminary Damage Assessments with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration this week. That will be used to determine whether the extent of the damage from the storm meets the threshold for a Major Disaster Declaration. Depending on the results, the state would be able to request individual assistance and public assistance, offering direct help to homeowners, renters, local governments, nonprofits and more. The extension request comes just days after Fairbairn proposed House Bill 4328, a $75 million state budget plan aimed to bring state relief to the region recovering from the ice storm. The $75 million would be more than the necessary 25% match from the state if $225 million in federal relief dollars could be secured. Additionally, Damoose proposed Senate Bill 212, which would forgive the days area schools were not in session during the state of emergency. Whitmer had declared a state of emergency in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties following the storm. She visited the region on April 3 and met with local officials and emergency responders. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II visited on April 4 to survey the damage and talk to residents. — Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@ Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Whitmer asks FEMA for extension on disaster declaration request after ice storm
