Natural disasters reveal the US's unpreparedness in face of increasing frequency and intensity.
Community resilience and preparedness are prioritized over reactive relief efforts to mitigate future vulnerabilities.
Deep dives
Severe Weather Threat After Heavy Rainfall
Parts of Vermont continue to face severe weather threats after experiencing up to 9 inches of rain, leading to flash flooding. Governor Phil Scott emphasizes the importance of preparedness as the state expects thunderstorms with potential for more flooding, hail, and ventornado. Cristiana Athena Blackwell's recent move to Plainfield highlights the impact of flooding on communities, emphasizing the necessity of readiness and community support.
Devastating Impact of Recent Flooding in Vermont
The recent flooding in Vermont, reminiscent of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, resulted in catastrophic damage across the state, including submerged vehicles, damaged properties, and massive rescue operations. Despite the widespread destruction, a strong sense of community spirit and resilience was evident as residents came together to address the aftermath and extend support to one another.
Changing Perspectives on Disaster Response
The increasing frequency of extreme climate events prompts a reevaluation of disaster response strategies. Juliet Kiam highlights the shift towards incentivizing community resilience and preparedness over reactive relief efforts. Calls for conditional funding post-disaster aim to encourage proactive measures such as fortifying structures and implementing mitigation strategies to enhance community resiliency and reduce future vulnerabilities.
Vermont just got slammed with flash floods, road closures, and evacuations. Harvard’s Juliette Kayyem says the storm reveals how unprepared the US is for the present moment, when natural disasters are more frequent and more intense than ever before.
This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.