Mary,
It happened again. Another flash flood in New Mexico swept away homes in a small village and killed at least three people, including two children. Dozens more were trapped and nearly died in fast-moving waters that came out of nowhere, with no time to escape. Meanwhile, the death toll from last week's floods in Central Texas keeps rising, with more and more children being added to the toll.
First Texas. Now New Mexico. What state might become the next victim of a tragic natural disaster like this? As someone born and raised in Austin, Texas, and as a human being, I've felt sick watching these news reports.
And I feel angry knowing that the agency responsible for forecasting and studying these devastating disasters is facing an existential threat thanks to budget cuts.
The National Weather and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) and its sub-agency the National Weather Service are facing a proposed 30% cut. This comes after over 800 employees were let go earlier this year.
If you've noticed that catastrophic weather has started to feel normal you're paying attention – these types of tragedies are increasing at an alarming rate. The only way to mitigate their harm is to predict them and warn communities, which is exactly what NOAA does. Critics say that these cuts will disable the agencies that could give families enough time to escape forecasted disasters.
I live not far from the Texas disaster, and my neighbors in Austin are also at risk for flooding. What could happen to my family, my neighbors and friends if we don't get adequate warning for the next climate disaster?
If we don't stop these cuts, we can expect more tragedies like Camp Mystic. Please, help protect NOAA before it's too late.
Audrey Hurt
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