Outdated FEMA flood maps leave billions in damages uninsured

Hurricane Debby caused nearly $10 billion in uninsured damages due to outdated FEMA flood maps that failed to reflect current flood risks.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  • FEMA's flood maps are outdated, with some over 50 years old, leaving many homes unprotected.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.

Related EHN coverage:

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