Biden Declares Emergency in New York After Storms

President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency in New York on Sunday, August 18, 2024, authorizing federal assistance to bolster state and local efforts in response to severe storms and flooding that occurred on August 18 and 19, 2024.

The White House issued a statement highlighting that the president’s declaration empowers the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.

This move aims to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency, providing crucial support to protect lives, property, public health, and safety. 

The emergency measures are authorized under the Stafford Act, which is designed to reduce or prevent the risk of future disasters.

The statement also noted that emergency protective measures (Category B) will be made available, offering public assistance limited to direct federal aid, with 75% of the funding covered by federal resources for Suffolk County.

Lai Sun Yee from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas, according to the White House.