The U.S. has experienced an unprecedented number of billion-dollar weather disasters in 2023, with wildfires and severe storms devastating regions from Hawaii to Florida.
According to a federal report released Monday, there have been 23 such disasters this year, surpassing the previous record of 22 set in 2020. These events have caused over $57.6 billion in damage and resulted in at least 253 fatalities.
One of the most devastating incidents was the deadliest wildfire in over a century, which struck West Maui, Hawaii, in August, killing at least 115 people and causing damages estimated at up to $6 billion. Shortly after, Hurricane Idalia struck Florida’s Big Bend coast, marking the strongest hurricane to hit the area in 125 years.
FEMA faces funding crisis amid record-breaking damage from wildfires and hurricanes.The frequency of billion-dollar weather disasters has increased since records began in 1980. From 1980 to 2022, the average annual number was eight. In the past five years, this average has risen to 18 per year.
These back-to-back disasters have sparked concerns about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) financial capacity to respond, especially as hurricane season reaches its peak.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell reported that the federal disaster fund is dwindling, with only $3.4 billion remaining. Without additional funds, the disaster fund could be depleted by mid-August. The Biden administration has requested $16 billion from Congress to replenish the fund.
President Biden has linked the increase in severe weather events to climate change, urging Congress to act quickly on the funding request. “The impact of the climate crisis is undeniable,” Biden stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address disaster relief and support those affected by recent events.