The recently installed head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) told employees on Monday that he did not know the United States had a hurricane season, according to Reuters. David Richardson, who assumed Fema leadership in early May, made this statement during a briefing. Staff were uncertain whether the comment was intended as humour or should be taken at face value.The official hurricane season commenced on Sunday and continues through November. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently predicted up to 10 hurricanes for this year’s season.A department of homeland Security spokesperson clarified that the remark was intended as humour, affirming Fema’s hurricane preparedness. They stated that under Secretary Kristi Noem and Richardson’s leadership, Fema is transitioning to a streamlined disaster response organisation that enables states to provide citizen relief.During the briefing, Richardson indicated there would be no modifications to existing disaster response protocols, despite previous communications to staff about a new plan in May, sources informed Reuters.The timing of Richardson’s remarks has heightened existing concerns about FEMA’s storm season readiness, given recent senior staff departures, workforce reductions, and decreased hurricane preparations.Democratic leaders responded critically. Senate leader Chuck Schumer posted on X, questioning why Richardson remains in position. “And I’m unaware of why he hasn’t been fired yet.”
Representative Bennie Thompson issued a statement to Reuters saying: “Suffice to say, disaster response is no joke. If you don’t know what or when hurricane season is, you’re not qualified to run FEMA. Get someone knowledgeable in there.”Annual hurricane damage costs hundreds of millions and claims numerous lives across US states. Climate change has intensified these storms’ destructiveness and financial impact.