India, March 24 -- On March 18, 2025, United States (US) President Donald Trump signed an executive order transferring disaster preparedness responsibilities from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to state and local governments. The order emphasises "common sense" investments by these governments to enhance national security against risks such as wildfires, hurricanes, and cyber-attacks. However, critics argue that this move weakens the US's disaster readiness by reducing federal support and resources available to communities for disaster preparation and response. Moreover, they contend that shifting these responsibilities may create disparities in preparedness levels across different states, exacerbating vulnerabilities in a...