FEMA Leadership Change Raises Capacity Questions Before Peak Hurricane Months
The Senate confirmed Cameron Hamilton on August 7, giving FEMA a permanent administrator as hurricane activity typically peaks from August through October.
Disaster Response
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Venezuela Reports 3,811 Dead From June 24 Earthquakes as Delcy Rodríguez Seeks Sanctions Relief
Venezuelan authorities said 3,811 people had died and 16,740 were injured by July 8 after twin earthquakes struck the country on June 24. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez called for access to blocked overseas assets to help pay for reconstruction.
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Senate confirms Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA during active wildfire and flood season
The Senate confirmed Cameron Hamilton as FEMA administrator on Aug. 7, as the agency manages more than 1,000 open disaster declarations and the administration considers changes to federal disaster aid.
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UN preparatory committee sets August 31 date for disaster-protection diplomacy
A United Nations committee will meet in New York from August 31 through September 4, 2026, to prepare a future diplomatic conference on protecting people affected by disasters.
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Louisiana SNAP hot-food waiver expires Aug. 13 after Tropical Storm Arthur
Louisiana SNAP households can use existing benefits for eligible hot or prepared foods at authorized retailers through Aug. 13, but the waiver adds no funds, covers no restaurant meals and may require retailer system updates.
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Cameron Hamilton’s FEMA Nomination Reaches Senate Cloture Stage
A Senate cloture motion has moved Cameron Hamilton’s FEMA nomination closer to a confirmation vote, but he remains unconfirmed and FEMA rules have not changed.
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FCC Sets Disaster-Reporting Rules for Public-Safety Networks
The FCC adopted new disaster-reporting rules for public-safety networks, but the central daily reporting requirement remains delayed pending implementation steps.
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GAO warns of uneven capacity as FEMA responsibility faces review
A GAO review found wide gaps in state and local disaster capacity as proposed FEMA changes could shift more responsibility to states and territories.
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FEMA reform debate puts disaster aid and state roles in focus
A July hearing brought competing FEMA reform plans together, but no law has changed how disaster declarations, recovery aid or survivor assistance work.
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Venezuela earthquake recovery faces $19.6 billion damage estimate
Venezuela is shifting from rescue to rebuilding after a preliminary $19.6 billion damage estimate, while unsafe water, shelter and health risks persist.
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Kumamoto earthquake recovery begins as reported deaths reach 38
Japan’s Kumamoto earthquake response is shifting toward recovery, but heat, water outages, crowded shelters and damaged infrastructure continue to endanger survivors.
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Dove Fire Grant Shows FEMA Still Works as Reform Debate Continues
FEMA approved a California wildfire grant covering up to 75% of eligible suppression costs as lawmakers debate a broader disaster-aid overhaul.
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France wildfires force more than 250,000 to flee as response expands
More than 250,000 people have fled wildfires in southwestern France as evacuations, tourism restrictions, European aid and new aircraft expand the response.