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Why flood maps may not include areas that actually flood

Oct 12, 2017
The maps take data from past disasters and apply it to future risk, but the calculations can get tricky — and political.
Floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey surround a home on Sept. 6, 2017, in Houston.
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Jack Wheeler and his wife, Tami Wheeler, watch as a FEMA housing inspector measures their flooded home in 2008 in Oakville, Iowa.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Their homes escaped flooding, but the fear lingers

Sep 1, 2017
"Everyone becomes on edge when you hear any type of heavy rainfall," a Louisiana homeowner says.
A flooded street in Cypress, Texas, northwest of Houston.
Courtesy of Marcy Matyas

Houston's infrastructure could be making the floods worse

Aug 28, 2017
Every expert she's talked to says regulations for building in the city's flood plains are insufficient, says Texas-based reporter Neena Satija.
People view the flooded highways in Houston yesterday as the city battles with Harvey, downgraded to a tropical storm, and resulting floods.
THOMAS B. SHEA/AFP/Getty Images

Budgeting for Hurricane Harvey relief could stop Trump's plans to shut down the government

Aug 28, 2017
The president has threatened to let government funding run out if he doesn't get money for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. But that could leave out funds for storm aid.
A motorist drives through heavy rain before the approaching Hurricane Harvey hits Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday.
MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

Midwest flooding underscores a need for flood insurance reform

May 4, 2017
Floodwaters have displaced hundreds of people and lead to several deaths in the Midwest. Now the damage assessment starts. The National Flood Insurance Program helps homeowners buy affordable flood insurance, but it’s $25 billion in debt. Congress has a chance to reform it before it’s up for reauthorization in September, and those reforms could include […]

The Navy adapts to rising sea levels

Dec 22, 2016
The military has to act when climate change threatens its bases
A beach within Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu has eroded 400 feet since the 1940's, placing critical infrastructure closer to the ocean.
Jed Kim/Marketplace

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Flooding hits a handful of crucial businesses in one small North Carolina town

Oct 21, 2016
In rural communities, a grocery or restaurant can be a lifeline, especially for low income people who have limited transportation options.
A small commercial district on the edge of downtown Grifton at the peak of the floods in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Residents depend on shops there, especially those who don't have an easy way to get to other stores in nearby towns. 
Jay Price/WUNC

Gift cards help Baton Rouge flood victims get the items they really need

Sep 19, 2016
One organization's search for the best way to get people what they needed, fast.
Patti Clement in front of her home in Baton Rouge, where she has lived for 14 years.
Nina Feldman

Flood insurance problem: same houses, over and over

Sep 1, 2016
A report shows about 2,100 homes have been flooded — and compensated — more than 10 times.
Resident Tracy Thornton walks through a flooded Louisiana neighborhood in August.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images