Federal Government Policy and Business

Perspective | Federal agencies, employees surge to Harvey’s devastation

The Washington Post: Like an atmospheric bully, Hurricane Harvey settled its big butt over the Texas Gulf Coast, causing epic rains, floods and misery — before inflicting more grief on Louisiana.

But a welcome counterpoint to Mother Nature’s destruction is the human response, the legion of selfless volunteers, charitable organizations and regular folks helping residents survive. Government workers at all levels, including more than 12,400 federal employees as of Wednesday morning, are directly involved with the disaster.

About two dozen federal offices have responded, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is taking the lead with more than 3,200 staffers on Harvey’s case, including 1,100 search and rescue personnel, to AmeriCorps. It sent over 250 people to the area for food and shelter operations and debris removal.

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