"David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is stepping down, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Monday's announcement ends a troubled tenure. It comes just six months after Richardson took the job and while the Atlantic hurricane season is still under way. Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer, is the second FEMA head to leave or be fired since May."
"He departs amid criticism that he kept a low profile during the deadly Texas floods in July that killed 130 people and baffled staff in June when he said he was unaware the country had a hurricane season. A DHS spokesperson gave no reasons for why the FEMA chief was departing. The Washington Post was the first to report that Richardson was leaving."
"Richardson's predecessor, Cameron Hamilton, was fired in May, after pushing back against efforts under President Donald Trump to dismantle the agency. President Trump has said he wants to greatly reduce the size of FEMA the federal agency responsible for preparing for and responding to natural disasters saying state governments can handle many of its functions. FEMA plays a central role in the US response to major disasters, including hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season is due to end this month."
David Richardson, acting head of FEMA, is stepping down after six months, according to DHS. The departure occurs during the Atlantic hurricane season and follows criticism of Richardson's low public profile during July Texas floods that killed 130 people. Richardson reportedly baffled staff in June by saying he was unaware the country had a hurricane season. No reasons were given by a DHS spokesperson for the departure, and FEMA chief of staff Karen Evans will replace him. Richardson's predecessor, Cameron Hamilton, was fired in May after resisting efforts to dismantle the agency. President Trump has expressed a desire to greatly reduce FEMA's size.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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