The head of FEMA said the agency is prepared to remain in Houston providing disaster relief services “for years,” on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday morning.
FEMA Administrator Brock Long said his organization is attending to short term rescue operations while also “pushing forward” on long term disaster recovery efforts like preparing recovery housing.
“We’re setting up and gearing up for the next couple years,” Long said.
WATCH:
Hurricane Harvey made land fall on the Texas coast Friday night and caused widespread flooding and damage across the southeastern part of the state before being downgraded to a tropical storm Saturday night. (RELATED: Hurricane Harvey Downgraded To A Tropical Storm As Residents Take Shelter)
Long stressed the unique challenges posed by the category four Hurricane and urged residents not to leave their homes until the harsh weather has completely abated.
“This is a storm that the United States has not seen yet,” he said.
Long downplayed the significance of the multiple vacancies in key disaster relief agency positions when asked if the rash of unfilled positions hampered FEMA’s ability to respond effectively.
“I don’t even have time to worry about it right now,” he said.
The FEMA administrator said coordination efforts between federal and state agencies are going smoothly and highlighted the active cooperation of President Donald Trump in arranging relief efforts.
“I’ve talked to President Trump several times, as well as his Cabinet members and his officials, and especially the head of FEMA,” Abbott said. “And we’ve made multiple requests, and we’re getting absolutely everything we need.”
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