Outdated FEMA flood maps leave billions in damages uninsured

Hurricane Debby caused nearly $10 billion in uninsured damages due to outdated FEMA flood maps that failed to reflect current flood risks.

Saul Elbein reports for The Hill.

In short:

• Over 75% of properties damaged by Hurricane Debby were outside areas requiring flood insurance.
• FEMA's flood maps are outdated, with some over 50 years old, leaving many homes unprotected.
• Resistance from developers and local governments has stalled updates to the National Flood Insurance Program.

Why this matters:

As climate change increases flood risks, millions of Americans are vulnerable to catastrophic losses without the necessary insurance, risking severe financial and societal impacts.

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• Poor southerners are joining the globe’s climate migrants
• Lingering long after a storm, mold and mental health issues
• Climate change is becoming a focus in medical school education