Federal agencies, employees surge to Harvey’s devastation

Thanks to Obama's support for these agencies. Trump and the Republicans in Congress think they should be reduced.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/08/29/federal-agencies-employees-surge-to-harveys-devastation/?utm_term=.eeec8b274c2d

By Joe Davidson | Columnist August 29, 2017

Like an atmospheric bully, Hurricane Harvey settled its big butt over the Texas Gulf Coast, causing epic rains, floods and misery — before inflicting more grief on Louisiana.

But a welcome counterpoint to Mother Nature’s destruction is the human response, the legion of selfless volunteers, charitable organizations and regular folks helping residents survive. Government workers at all levels, including more than 12,400 federal employees as of Wednesday morning, are directly involved with the disaster.

About two dozen federal offices have responded, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is taking the lead with more than 3,200 staffers on Harvey’s case, including 1,100 search and rescue personnel, to AmeriCorps. It sent over 250 people to the area for food and shelter operations and debris removal.

By boat and aircraft, the U.S. Coast Guard had rescued more than 4,200 people and 1,000 pets through early Wednesday.

FEMA said the federal response to Harvey includes:

See the link above for the long list

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FEMA’s list can’t be complete because it doesn’t include the National Weather Service. As the rain subsided in some areas, residents were cautioned against complacency.

“Catastrophic and life-threatening flooding continues in southeastern Texas and portions of southwestern Louisiana,” the Weather Service warned. “This is a life-threatening situation.”