Up First from NPR Unprepared: Helene's Deadly Warning
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Jun 8, 2025 
Laura Sullivan, a correspondent on NPR's investigations team, dives into the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. She highlights the ongoing struggles communities face in rebuilding after major storms, revealing outdated policies and weak building codes that increase risk. Shannon Jordan’s emotional journey through her childhood home illustrates personal loss, while the podcast critiques the profit motives overshadowing safety in housing development. The urgent need for better flood management and financial recovery processes is also brought to light.
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Last Sighting of Robert Ramsar
- Robert Ramsar was last seen standing on his porch as floodwaters rose to his knees during Hurricane Helene.
- His trailer was later found destroyed with no sign that he had evacuated or survived.
Flood-Resistant Homes Survive
- Homes set back and elevated on concrete foundations survived the floodwaters of Helene.
- Building to flood-resistant standards can prevent widespread destruction in flood-prone areas.
Houston Flood Control Limits
- Houston controls flooding with dams and reservoirs designed nearly a century ago.
- Despite upgrades, large storms still force controlled releases, flooding neighborhoods downstream.