Up First from NPR Unprepared: There is No Plan
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Jun 8, 2025 Communities in New York and New Jersey struggle to recover from Superstorm Sandy, revealing significant disparities in their rebuilding efforts. In North Carolina, the fight against natural disasters highlights the clash between local interests and safety regulations. A poignant tale unfolds as a daughter seeks closure for her parents lost in a flood, emphasizing the emotional impact of such tragedies. The podcast explores the complex dynamics of disaster recovery and the pressing need for improved preparedness and support for affected communities.
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Staten Island's Fragmented Recovery
- Staten Island's coastal community post-Sandy is fragmented between elevated homes, buyouts, and unchanged houses.
- This uneven recovery causes infrastructure challenges and uncertainty about land use.
Housing Demand Challenges Flood Safety
- Despite risks, homes near water keep selling, often elevated but not beyond massive surge levels.
- Floodplain occupancy grows amid a housing affordability crisis, urging a balance between safety and housing needs.
No Unified Storm Recovery Plan
- Recovery efforts often lacked a cohesive plan due to property rights and economic pressures.
- FEMA competed with developers, but local officials often sided with development interests over resilient recovery.