Before, during, and after an imminent threat of a natural disaster, everyone is encouraged to stay safe and work with local/state officials for current health and safety information.
Role of USDA NRCS following a natural disaster
The USDA NRCS provides relief to those impacted by a natural disaster after first responders are in place. First responders are local and state Emergency Managers that include police, public utility workers, EMTs and firefighters. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides medical assistance and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides critical supplies to impacted areas including meals, water, generators, tarps and other equipment. Other federal agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy deploy responders to advance restoration efforts.
Once a natural disaster has been declared either by the President or more locally by the USDA NRCS State Conservationist, NRCS recovery assistance begins once access to the location is determined to be safe and secure. The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program offers vital recovery options for local communities to help people reduce hazards to life and property caused by floodwaters, droughts, wildfires, earthquakes, windstorms, and other natural disasters. Current obligated funding for EWP Disaster Recovery assistance can be found at the link below.
EWP FACTS
For the current fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 - last update May 13, 2025
255
Recovery projects
85
Disasters
$373 M
Total obligated
27
States impacted
