When Cortland County was struck by an unexpected tornado in July, Gov. Kathy Hochul called on the federal government for response assistance. After evaluating the damage of the storm, President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in New York and opened up funding to provide emergency work and repair infrastructure through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Just a month later, record rainfall and severe flooding caused damage to homes and businesses, breached two dams, displaced families and students at Stony Brook University, and damaged vital roads and infrastructure in Suffolk County. Once again Hochul requested Suffolk County be declared a major disaster to unlock aid. New York has received federal disaster declarations six different times this year so far. The aid provides physical and financial support to homeowners, businesses and local municipalities affected by the storms to repair in the aftermath.
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the southeast, FEMA’s response to this historic flooding has been uniquely difficult amid the tense political atmosphere of the election. While working to meet the needs of affected communities, FEMA must also account for the increased frequency and strength of these storms.
