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DHS Science and Technology Directorate Advances Integrated Disaster Resilience Program

DHS Science and Technology Directorate Advances Integrated Disaster Resilience Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is advancing its Integrated Disaster Resilience Program (IDR). This program focuses on enhancing the protection of life and property through research into new technologies, the development of standards and best practices, and improved information sharing capabilities. The IDR program aims to empower communities to bolster disaster resilience by adopting a systems-based approach to preparedness. This involves developing technologies for detecting and monitoring key threats, as well as improving the synthesis and sharing of critical information among federal, state, local, and private organizations. The program operates through four distinct project areas: Community Resilience Testbeds, Disaster Recovery, Flood, and Next Generation Disaster Proofing.

Tribal and Indigenous Communities Face Funding Barriers for Disaster Resilience, EDA Offers Grant Programs

Tribal and Indigenous Communities Face Funding Barriers for Disaster Resilience, EDA Offers Grant Programs

Tribal and Indigenous communities in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by natural hazards such as hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding, leading to significant damage, disruption of essential services, and impacts on natural resources and sacred sites. Despite adopting various strategies to mitigate disaster impacts, these communities frequently encounter funding limitations that hinder their recovery and resilience efforts. The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides several funding programs designed to assist federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and other Indigenous communities in preparing for, mitigating, and recovering from disasters. These programs include Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance, Planning, and Disaster Recovery. Eligible projects can encompass hazard mitigation planning, construction and repair of public infrastructure, capacity building, site planning, and workforce training programs. A community's history of presidentially declared disas...

Asheville Citizen-Times

Helene exposed weaknesses and rewired WNC’s disaster response playbook

Helene exposed weaknesses and rewired WNC’s disaster response playbook

Two years after widespread failures, agencies and private networks are strengthening weak points exposed by the storm.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

What East Tennessee has lost, learned and rebuilt two years since Helene | Exclusive

What East Tennessee has lost, learned and rebuilt two years since Helene | Exclusive

Here's a look at how East Tennessee communities are still recovering and what was learned in the aftermath of flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.

Oregon Lawmakers Urge FEMA to Reconsider Denial of Fire Management Assistance for East Evans Creek Fire

Oregon Lawmakers Urge FEMA to Reconsider Denial of Fire Management Assistance for East Evans Creek Fire

Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Maxine Dexter, and Janelle Bynum, have collectively supported Governor Tina Kotek's appeal to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They are urging FEMA to reconsider its denial of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the East Evans Creek Fire, which occurred north of Rogue River, Oregon. The fire, which broke out on July 10, 2026, quickly spread due to dry conditions and high temperatures, eventually reaching over 15,700 acres. At its peak, it threatened more than 3,100 structures, resulted in the loss of one unoccupied structure, and led to hundreds of homes being under Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation orders. The state had initially requested financial assistance through the FMAG program to cover costs associated with emergency and firefighting activities, arguing that the fire constituted a major disaster under FEMA's criteria.

Asheville Citizen-Times

Records show recovery czar Whatley’s scant Helene engagement

Records show recovery czar Whatley’s scant Helene engagement

Searches of communications found little evidence that Trump’s recovery czar ever engaged with officials on rebuilding Western North Carolina.

Texas Flood Victims Urge President Trump for Individual Assistance at U.S. Capitol

Texas Flood Victims Urge President Trump for Individual Assistance at U.S. Capitol

Hill Country flood victims from Texas are currently in Washington, D.C., to advocate for individual flood relief from President Trump. Following July flooding, President Trump approved a disaster declaration that triggered FEMA Public Assistance (PA) for 19 Texas counties, which helps with funding for infrastructure repairs like roads. However, this declaration did not include Individual Assistance (IA) for flood victims, which would provide direct aid to affected residents. Ashlee Willis, a flood victim from Travis County, highlighted that while FEMA has statistical thresholds for Public Assistance, Individual Assistance is at the discretion of the President. She noted that other states, such as Indiana, received IA designation for subsequent disasters without issue, leading to frustration among Texas victims. The Texas flood survivors have joined a national movement organized by Rebuild: The National Disaster Survivors Association, coordinating with victims from California, Indiana, and Missouri to meet ...

U.S. Representative Wesley Bell Pushes Disaster Response Package as St. Louis Seeks Federal Aid

U.S. Representative Wesley Bell Pushes Disaster Response Package as St. Louis Seeks Federal Aid

U.S. Representative Wesley Bell is actively advocating for a comprehensive disaster response package as the city of St. Louis seeks additional federal aid. This push comes in the wake of recent natural disasters, including tornadoes, that have impacted the region. Congressman Bell's efforts are aimed at securing necessary resources for his constituents and ensuring that communities affected by extreme weather receive timely and adequate support for recovery and rebuilding. His advocacy includes co-sponsoring legislation like the 'Relief Without Delay Act,' which is designed to maintain the flow of FEMA aid during government shutdowns and enhance transparency in disaster spending. The broader goal is to strengthen the federal government's capacity to respond to emergencies and provide sustained assistance to areas grappling with the aftermath of natural calamities.

Congressman Wesley Bell Introduces Bipartisan 'Relief Without Delay Act' to Ensure Continuous Disaster Aid During Government Shutdowns

Congressman Wesley Bell Introduces Bipartisan 'Relief Without Delay Act' to Ensure Continuous Disaster Aid During Government Shutdowns

Congressman Wesley Bell, alongside Representative Jeff Hurd, has introduced the bipartisan 'Relief Without Delay Act.' This legislative measure, supported by 20 colleagues, aims to ensure that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid continues to flow without interruption during government shutdowns. The proposed bill also seeks to enhance transparency regarding disaster spending and bolster support for tornado detection, warning systems, and community storm shelters. The primary objective of this legislation is to minimize delays in recovery aid, a critical concern for communities affected by natural disasters. Congressman Bell indicated that this bill builds upon previous efforts related to disaster response, including proposals focused on FEMA continuity, accountability, and post-disaster recovery needs. The introduction of this act follows recent tornado damage in Missouri, underscoring the urgency of reliable disaster relief.

FEMA Allocates $44M for Disaster Resilience in Southeast

FEMA Allocates $44M for Disaster Resilience in Southeast

FEMA has announced over $44 million in federal funding to support disaster resilience projects across eight Southeastern states, including North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The funding is distributed through three key programs: the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, the Community Assistance Program – State Support Services Element, and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. The majority of the funds, $41.1 million, will focus on infrastructure improvements to mitigate flood risks, while other projects address hazards such as earthquakes and wildfires. This initiative is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act.

Senators Gillibrand and Schumer Announce Over $1.4 Million in Disaster Recovery Funding for New York State

Senators Gillibrand and Schumer Announce Over $1.4 Million in Disaster Recovery Funding for New York State

U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer have announced over $1.4 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for New York State. This federal funding is designated to support ongoing disaster relief and recovery efforts across the state. Specifically, more than $1 million will be allocated to repair critical infrastructure that sustained damage from severe weather and fires. Additionally, over $400,000 will be used to reimburse hospitals and health networks for emergency measures undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized the importance of this critical federal funding for communities facing the impacts of severe weather and the continued costs associated with pandemic recovery. Senator Schumer highlighted that these funds will help New Yorkers recover from catastrophes and build a safer, more resilient future for the state.

Indiana Faces Limited Federal Aid After August Storms

Indiana Faces Limited Federal Aid After August Storms

Indiana officials have announced that additional counties are unlikely to receive federal disaster aid following the severe storms and flooding that began on August 11, 2026. Currently, 21 counties have been approved for federal assistance, with over $100 million already distributed by FEMA. The state has made significant progress in debris removal, clearing nearly 80,000 cubic yards of damaged belongings and downed trees across 33 communities. However, an estimated 190,000 cubic yards of debris remain, particularly in riverbeds and other areas. Fourteen counties are still under FEMA review, but state officials do not anticipate a significant increase in the number of counties qualifying for aid.