Long Islanders took notice when it came out that FEMA, the federal agency tasked with assisting Americans during emergencies, gave short shrift to residents in other states because they supported President Trump. They had reason to worry after a “biblical” storm wreaked havoc across Suffolk over the summer and their requests for funds were pending.
Their fears came to fruition last week after FEMA denied assistance to the many residents whose homes were damaged by the storm. This was despite Gov. Kathy Hochul's plea for help and President Biden issuing a Disaster Declaration for the area.
“This was not a standard or heavy rainfall event,” said Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, who vowed to keep the heat on the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “This was rainfall akin to a natural disaster of almost biblical proportions. The people most affected, especially but not limited to Rocky Point, should be helped by FEMA because most would never have dreamed of having to procure flood insurance. We will join the State of New York in an appeal.”
Americans were appalled when they learned of a FEMA manager directing federal workers to ignore homeowners showing Trump signs in North Carolina after the Hurricane Helene floods. The agency’s failed response to the catastrophic event became a key campaign issue, with Trump charging that FEMA funding was diverted to support illegal aliens. He won North Carolina in his historic defeat of Kamala Harris, while 90% of Washington, D.C., where many FEMA employees are centered, went with the vice president. In Suffolk, Trump beat Harris with 55% of the vote.
“They haven't even responded in North Carolina,” Trump said during the campaign after the state was ravaged by Helene. “They don't see any FEMA. Do you know why? They spent all of the money on illegal immigrants, and flying them in by beautiful jet planes, to the middle of our country.”
In electing Trump, both through the Electoral College and the popular vote, Americans repudiated the Democrat strategy of flooding the country with illegal immigrants so they could harvest their votes. Their response to the Helene and Long Island disasters and the squandering of emergency funds on illegal aliens illustrate the broad impact of Washington politics.
There’s no doubt the destruction felt across the North Shore qualifies for federal assistance. The August storm dropped nearly 10 inches of rain in less than 24 hours causing an estimated $100 million in damages in Brookhaven, Huntington, and Smithtown. Stony Brook’s Mill Pond washed out, destroying Harbor Road and nearby homes. The Stump Pond dam in Smithtown also collapsed, while libraries, churches, businesses, schools, and residences were inundated in areas that had never before flooded.
“Families throughout Suffolk County have laid out tens of thousands of dollars to fix their homes, remediate mold damage, and replace lost possessions,” noted Senators Tony Palumbo, Dean Murray, and Mario Mattera in a letter to the governor. “In the wake of this disaster, it is unconscionable to us that the federal government would turn its back on struggling families and seniors in their time of need, but that is precisely what is happening.”
In denying the funds, which were requested to assist approximately 2,000 homeowners, FEMA said, “Per the results of joint Preliminary Damage Assessments, it was determined that the damage was not of severity and magnitude to warrant a Federal Declaration for Individual Assistance.” The agency noted that the state’s fiscal ability to cover the damages and the availability of other resources also played a role in the decision to deny.
Many affected residents did not have flood insurance and are looking at six-figure bills to repair their homes. They may qualify for $50,000 in grants offered by the state.
Gov. Hochul said she will appeal the decision. County Executive Ed Romaine expressed disappointment in the FEMA, saying he has discussed the appeal with the governor.