I really feel that this disaster gave the feds the opportunity to test their power against lawful gun-owners.
THIS IS ONLY A TEST! Be prepared for gun confiscation coming to a town near you. Disasters could be a blizzard, tornados, blackouts, gas shortages etc, whatever FEMA and the Feds want it to be.
I'd rate it as being one ratchet-notch higher (on the scale of incremental loss of liberty) than a "test'.
I consider it to be an "exercise", and I don't think it's likely to be the only exercise of that sort.
Several years ago, there was something making the rounds that was at first dismissed as an urban legend, but then it was revealed to be an actual incident.
I'm referring to the 29 Palms "Combat Arms Survey".
It looks like that survey (and probably a lot of stuff that DIDN'T leak out) is coming to fruition.