Floodplain Dangers, Climate Change, and the Struggle for Resilience

Millions of Americans reside in floodplains, exposing them and their properties to the potential for devastating floods. This reality is exemplified by individuals like Steve Rodriguez, whose home near a creek in Pennsylvania has experienced frequent flooding, prompting him to elevate it significantly. Some of his neighbors have undertaken even more extensive elevation projects.

The risk of flooding is exacerbated by the effects of climate change, which leads to more intense rainfall, and by unregulated development. The increased runoff from developed areas, such as shopping centers, streets, and parking lots, further contributes to the problem.

Local authorities are attempting to address the issue by purchasing and demolishing homes in flood-prone areas on a voluntary basis. Over the past quarter-century, federal programs have been utilized to acquire thousands of homes for flood-related reasons. While many of Rodriguez's neighbors accepted buyouts, he declined the offer.

According to Maya van Rossum, who leads an organization dedicated to protecting the Delaware River and its communities, the way the U.S. has developed in floodplains presents a significant challenge. While homeowners who decline buyouts may be offered government funds to elevate their homes, this approach does not fully protect them and can potentially worsen flooding in other areas.

Van Rossum emphasizes the cyclical nature of the problem, where catastrophic events lead to devastation, followed by costly rebuilding efforts, only to have the cycle repeat. Rodriguez acknowledges the inherent risks of living in a floodplain but found the buyout offer he received to be financially unappealing. He now feels trapped, having experienced numerous floods since then.