FEMA Administrator Attributes Devastating Impact of Hurricane Helene to Climate Change

Hurricane Helene has left at least 88 dead and caused severe flooding from Florida to the Appalachian Mountains, with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell attributing these impacts to climate change. The storm’s rapid intensification and associated damage reflect a concerning shift towards more water-related destruction in hurricane events, prompting urgent response efforts across affected states.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator, Deanne Criswell, attributed the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene, which resulted in at least 88 fatalities and extensive flooding from Florida to the Appalachian Mountains, to climate change. In her appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Criswell emphasized that the storm’s rapid intensification was correlated with elevated water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. She stated, “this storm took a while to develop, but once it did, it developed and intensified very rapidly.” Criswell detailed that warmer waters have led to increased storm surges and rainfall, significantly altering the nature of hurricane damage from primarily wind-related to predominantly water-related. Notably, she remarked, “In the past, when we would look at damage from hurricanes, it was primarily wind damage, with some water damage. But now we are seeing so much more water damage. And I think that is a result of the warm waters, which is a result of climate change.” She outlined the significant impacts in multiple states including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, noting widespread destruction to water systems, communication infrastructures, roads, and residences. Criswell referred specifically to the “historic flooding” experienced in North Carolina, particularly in the western regions, where Sheriff Quentin Miller confirmed that 30 individuals had perished, contributing to the rising death toll. As rescue efforts continue amidst challenging conditions marked by blocked roads and significant flooding, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper cautioned that further fatalities may be discovered in inaccessible areas, urging citizens to remain off the roads to facilitate emergency response efforts. FEMA’s response included deploying search and rescue teams to assist in the affected areas, highlighting the urgent need for aid following this devastating storm.

Hurricane Helene is a testament to the increasing frequency and intensity of storms attributed to climate change, as recognized by experts and agency officials. The phenomenon of warmer ocean waters contributing to more potent hurricanes has been well-documented in climatic studies, leading to a rise in incidents of severe flooding and infrastructural damage. Recent weather events have illustrated the urgent need for effective emergency management and climate action, emphasizing the significance of agencies like FEMA in disaster response and recovery.

In summary, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has attributed the catastrophic consequences of Hurricane Helene to climate change, highlighting a paradigm shift in the nature of hurricane damage predominated by flooding rather than wind. With the storm claiming at least 88 lives and causing widespread devastation across multiple states, critical emphasis is placed on the interplay between natural disasters and climate change, necessitating swift response and infrastructure preparedness.

Original Source: www.ibtimes.com