Natural Disasters
Deaths from Hurricane Ida Expose Flaws in FEMA Flood Maps
The New York City homes where 11 people drowned were in areas marked as low risk for inundation
Stories by Thomas Frank
Climate Change
‘Historical’ Western Drought Is Likely to Persist
The severe dry conditions have left critical reservoirs depleted and helped fuel intense wildfires
Water
Democrats Seek ‘Historic’ Changes to U.S. Flood Program
Proposed legislation includes funding to redo badly out-of-date flood risk maps
Climate Change
Heat Wave Death Toll Will Rise with Thorough Count
The 117 fatalities recorded in the Pacific Northwest so far include only those directly attributed to heat
Weather
Western Drought Has Lasted Longer Than the Dust Bowl
Dry conditions have drawn down reservoirs, fueled massive wildfires and stunted crops
Natural Disasters
Cities ‘Game’ Federal Program Meant to Reduce Flood Risk
The program, offering reduced insurance costs, does little to encourage adaptation to sea level rise
Climate Change
Drought Spreads to 93 Percent of West—That’s Never Happened
The extreme dry conditions threaten crops and raise wildfire risks
Natural Disasters
Extremely Dry U.S. West Is Ripe for Wildfires
Moisture measured in trees, shrubs and grasses is lowest since records began in the 1970s
Natural Disasters
Hurricane Damage Would Be Less Extensive with Stronger Building Codes
Florida’s codes rank high, but those of Texas, Mississippi and Alabama are low
Policy
Poor Homeowners Will Pay Less after Flood Insurance Overhaul
New risk ratings will improve economic equity
Natural Disasters
Hurricanes Threaten 32 Million U.S. Homes
The at-risk properties have a combined value of $8.5 trillion, according to a new report
Policy
Biden Budget Includes Plan to Help Poor Buy Flood Insurance
The money comes as FEMA looks to revamp its insurance program to better reflect flood risks
Conservation
Military and Environmentalists Align to Protect Key Coastal Salt Marsh
Development and sea-level rise threaten this crucial habitat and natural line of defense against storm surge
Natural Disasters
Fear Is the Key to Convincing Residents to Evacuate before a Storm
Safety officials need to use strong language and images to persuade the human psyche
Natural Disasters
Floods Are Increasing in Supposedly Low-Risk Areas
The trend raises concerns about the accuracy of flood maps and the adequacy of insurance
Natural Disasters
Pressure Builds on Congress to Help People Afford Pricey Flood Insurance
Premiums will rise in October, but 51 percent of homeowners in high-risk areas are low-income
Policy
FEMA Says It Will Make Disaster Response More Equitable
The Federal Emergency Management Agency acknowledges that recovery programs have unfairly burdened certain populations
Natural Disasters
Home Sales Need Better Disclosure of Flood Risk, Experts Say
A patchwork of state laws can leave some home buyers unaware of their risks and uninsured
Climate Change
Biden’s Pick to Lead FEMA Signals Urgency on Pandemic and Climate Change
Deanne Criswell, an experienced emergency manager, will be the first woman to lead the agency since it was created in 1979
Climate Change
Rising Costs of U.S. Flood Damage Linked to Climate Change
As warming temperatures intensified precipitation over the last 30 years, floods costs have risen by $2.5 billion
