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17.5 Million Face Extreme Flood Risk in US Coasts
22 Apr
Summary
- Over 17 million people on US coasts are at very high flood risk.
- New York and New Orleans identified as cities with extreme vulnerability.
- Study integrated 16 factors using AI for comprehensive flood risk assessment.
A groundbreaking study reveals that more than 17.5 million individuals residing on the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts are at a "very high" risk of experiencing flooding. An additional 17 million people are classified as being at "high" risk. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Alabama, employed 16 distinct factors and three artificial intelligence tools to assess flood vulnerability.
New York City and New Orleans were highlighted as particularly vulnerable locations. New York City faces potential damage to over 200,000 buildings, with 4.75 million people at the two highest risk levels. While New Orleans has fewer people at risk, approximately 380,000, this represents 99% of its population, underscoring its significant exposure.
The study also identified other cities facing substantial flood risks, including Jacksonville, Houston, Miami, Norfolk, Charleston, and Mobile. Researchers emphasized that social vulnerability, such as poverty and age, alongside physical factors like sinking land, contribute significantly to flood damage.
Experts suggest that this comprehensive analysis, which includes human social vulnerability, can be applied globally to better understand and mitigate flood risks exacerbated by human-caused climate change. The findings stress the importance of considering where people live and how cities are built in future disaster planning.
