As Helene barrels into the Gulf Coast, FEMA faces shortfall for longer-term recovery

Sep 27, 2024
FEMA will have enough for immediate emergency response, but the latest government funding bill didn't include additional funding to help communities struggling from past disasters.
The logo of the Federal Emergency Management Agency at its headquarters. The agency did not receive its requested extra funding, meaning it will have to prioritize immediate disaster response over long-term recovery in many communities.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Financially, FEMA may not be equipped to handle climate change

Jul 20, 2023
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund is likely to be in the red sometime next month.
While FEMA will be able to find the cash to handle disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, funding for rebuilding or mitigation programs are running thin.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

"Our whole life is in this house": Florida residents begin recovery after Hurricane Ian

Oct 14, 2022
The economic damage from Hurricane Ian could exceed $100 billion.
An aerial view of a neighborhood in North Port, Florida, in the wake of Hurricane Ian on Oct. 1.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Insurance increasingly unaffordable as climate change brings more disasters

Aug 31, 2020
In California, homeowners in high wildfire-risk areas are finding insurance is harder to find, costs more and is worth less.
The LNU Lightning Complex Fire burns through Napa on Aug. 18, 2020.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A Bahamian island works to recover from Hurricane Dorian

Jan 6, 2020
The rebuilding process is expected to take years and costs are in the billions.
A badly damaged home in Marsh Harbour.
Nadege Green

Lack of housing leaves fire survivors searching for solutions

Dec 17, 2018
In the aftermath of the Paradise wildfire, RVs and motels have become housing alternatives for displaced residents.
Kelley Conner stands outside the used RV she bought after the Camp Fire destroyed her home in Magalia, just north of Paradise, California.
Ben Bradford/Marketplace

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Northern California fires leave local businesses with few options to rebuild

Dec 17, 2018
There's limited aid available for businesses displaced by November's devastating fire in Paradise.
A burned car and a gas station remain visible after the Camp Fire tore through the region near Pulga, east of Paradise, California, on Nov. 11, 2018.
JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images

How gift cards are helping survivors of California's deadliest fire

Dec 7, 2018
It's not just cash donations that help after a disaster.
Kimberly Spainhower hugs her daughter Chloe, 13, while her husband Ryan Spainhower (R) searches through the ashes of their burned home in Paradise, California on November 18, 2018.
JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images

Houston’s refineries and plants are vulnerable to hurricanes. Will a $32 billion plan save them from flooding?

Nov 27, 2018
When hurricanes hit Texas, the whole country feels it. Now, there’s a plan to lessen the blow.
A view of the Houston Ship Channel.
Travis Bubenik for Marketplace