GAINESVILLE, FL. — As a growing portion of the South is overwhelmed with hurricane-related crises, personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been spread increasingly thin. And while public officials in the hardest hit states say they’re taking steps to meet the moment, they’re anticipating a need for more help from the federal government — and soon.
With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall Wednesday, demand for federal aid may push FEMA to its limits. On Tuesday, the agency said in a report that only 9% of its workforce — which amounts to 1205 people — is available to turn its attention to the imminent storm.
On Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, waved off the staff shortages, arguing that the state would be equipped to respond.