Disasters and Emergencies

• FEMA Staff Bracing for Dismissal of 1,000 Disaster Workers - The job cuts expected this month are part of a plan by the Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem, to remake the agency.
• ‘Everyone Is in Shock’: Swiss Town Grieves as More Fire Victims Are Identified - In Crans-Montana, the ski resort where at least 40 people died in a New Year’s Day blaze, residents were struggling to come to terms with one of the worst such disasters in Switzerland’s history.
• Crans-Montana Is a Historic Swiss Ski Resort Popular With International Tourists - Known for its gourmet food, luxury stores, and for hosting major sporting events, the high-end resort was acquired by Vail Resorts in 2024.
• FEMA Won’t Reinstate Suspended Workers Who Signed Letter Criticizing Trump - Employees suspended in the summer after signing a letter critical of the president were told they could return to work. But the reinstatement was short-lived.
• Sri Lanka Declares ‘Largest’ Disaster as Cyclone Death Toll Rises to 355 - The president called the nationwide flooding the largest and most challenging natural disaster in the island’s history, as emergency rescue efforts continue.