The Fourth of July flash flood in Texas has resulted in at least 78 fatalities, highlighting increased national vulnerability to climate disasters. As rescue efforts continue, experts express concern over federal funding cuts for weather forecasting, which undermine disaster response capabilities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration faces staffing shortages in California, impacting critical areas vulnerable to fires and floods. In addition, proposed budget cuts aim to reduce NOAA's workforce and budget significantly, despite the rise in severe climate-related incidents caused by human-induced changes.
Nationally, more than 600 scientists and meteorologists have already been laid off or taken a buyout from NOAA this year.
The Texas flood, in particular, was marked by the type of extremely intense, highly localized downpour that is becoming much more common due to global warming.
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