The Inevitable Rise of Floods: Can We Get Out of Harm's Way?

Strategic Insights -

Living in a new age of flooding, characterized by more frequent, severe, and longer-lasting events, has become the harsh reality of many communities. The devastating July 4 flood in Texas, like past disasters in Ellicott City, Maryland, and Kentucky, has raised important questions about our preparedness and response to these catastrophes. While sympathy and blame are understandable reactions, we must prioritize taking proactive measures to minimize the damage and loss of life. Our current approach to preventing and mitigating floods is inadequate, and the lack of a major course correction will only exacerbate the problem. However, there are proven solutions and community-led initiatives that can help us change our fate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The July 4 flood in Texas is a stark reminder of the increasing danger posed by floods, which will only worsen due to climate change.
  • Implementing adequate zoning policies to limit construction on floodplains can prevent unnecessary development and reduce damage, costing less than the billions spent on flood protection measures and recovery efforts.
  • Relocation of flood-prone homes to higher ground has been an important strategy, with efforts in North Carolina's Mecklenburg County resulting in residents voluntarily relocations for their safety.
  • Hundreds of communities nationwide have adopted floodplain zoning, with more than 22,000 communities implementing some form of restriction, although many rules are weak or poorly enforced.
  • Some communities, such as Nashville, Milwaukee, and Tulsa, have enacted model programs to help people move beyond the danger zone, while cities like Sacramento and Memphis rely on expensive levee reinforcement.
  • A small percentage of the country's acreage lies within 100-year floodplains, where flooding is most likely to occur, and we know where the danger lurks, providing choices for Americans to move to safer areas.

Statistics:

  • According to federal insurance program data, 22,000 communities across the United States have adopted floodplain zoning to one degree or another.
  • The Natural Resources Defense Council analyzed thousands of data points, determining that for every $1.72 FEMA spends helping people move away from flood zones, $100 is spent to rebuild properties.
  • Given the increasing danger posed by floods, climate change, and the failure to halt losses and threats, we are destined to fail worse in the future unless major course corrections are taken.

Sources:

  • [The New York Times, photo, Jim Vondruska/Getty Images]