The destruction of Hurricane Irene was a long way from Joplin, Missouri, however the city that was devastated by a tornado just months ago may still be impacted.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, better known as FEMA, has played a vital role in reconstructing Joplin, Missouri after the May 22 tornado, however that aid will be put on hold due to the demand for help on the East Coast.

FEMA’s funds are also lacking. In fact, they are down between 8 million to 10 billion dollars. This shortage causes them to focus on just the immediate relief efforts, not the long-term rebuilding projects such as Joplin.

Many Missourians disagree with this decision, especially considering the difference in the magnitude of destruction. Missouri state senators have pushed to regain funding, including Senator Claire McCaskill.

“What happened in southwest Missouri was huge devastation compared to what Irene did over the weekend,” McCaskill said to the Huffington Post. “I just want to make sure the commitments made to Joplin – we don’t see a hiccup there.”

With Joplin just now finishing the debris removal stage of clean up, the president may have to ask congress for extra money to cover the added cost. This has been a great cause of annoyance for a long time now, after FEMA has fallen short during many crises due to lack of funding.

Despite the fact that FEMA has temporarily halted funding, many agencies are still hard at work.

“Reconstruction is going on as we speak,” said Scott Clayton, Executive Director from Joplin Habitat for Humanity. “Relationships are being built with many outside organizations that will bring Joplin back where it needs to be.”

Although targets of the Joplin tornado will resume getting individual assistance for things such as housing and medical attention, FEMA was their main supplier and source of funds.  Therefore, the smaller organizations continue struggle with the monstrous task of restoring Joplin.

“The task of rebuilding is vast,” Clayton said. “But with God’s help, the hardworking people of Joplin and people from around the country, Joplin will be rebuilt.”

(Photo: Rich Sugg/Kansas City Star/MCT)