Hurricanes Damage Tens of Billions in US Infrastructure

The hurricanes have brought devastation in their paths.

Source : Wikipedia

October 16, 2024

Author : Alex Bustillos

Recent hurricanes have wreaked havoc across the United States, resulting in catastrophic damage to infrastructure and leaving millions without essential services. 

Hurricanes Helene and Milton have served as stark reminders of the increasing intensity of these storms, in part attributed to human-driven climate change.

Hurricane Helene, which struck southeastern states, was well-forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which warned of “catastrophic and life-threatening” flooding and landslides, particularly across the Southern Appalachians. Despite the warnings, the majority of the fatalities occurred inland, where mountainous terrain complicated evacuations. 

The combination of poor cell service and limited experience with hurricanes left many feeling unprepared. Reports highlighted that a network of dams and drainage systems in these regions is in a state of disrepair, exacerbating the situation. While catastrophic dam failures were avoided, the existing flood protection infrastructure failed to account for heavy rain, leading to destructive landslides that obliterated homes, businesses, and roads.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, a rapid assessment by the World Weather Attribution group indicated that Hurricane Milton, which made landfall as a category 3 storm in Florida, was influenced by global warming. The analysis revealed that climate change had made Milton’s winds approximately 10% stronger and increased rainfall by 20-30%

As the storm made its way across Florida, it triggered tornadoes and further destruction, contributing to a death toll that has surpassed 225 people. According to President Joe Biden, Milton caused an estimated $50 billion in damage, marking it as one of the most severe hurricanes in recent memory.

Milton exemplified the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes. It was recorded as the third-most rapidly intensifying Atlantic hurricane, escalating to category 5 status with winds reaching 180 mph before weakening to a category 3 upon landfall. 

This year has already seen two hurricanes reach category 5 status, a concerning trend in a relatively short span. The NOAA indicates that since 1950, only five other years have witnessed more than one category 5 storm.

As Florida residents returned from shelters to assess the damage, challenges continued to emerge. Contaminated water supplies prompted over 260,000 people in St. Petersburg to boil water before use. Meanwhile, Florida's airports reopened for travel as recovery efforts began. The intense storms have left many questioning the state’s readiness to handle such disasters and the effectiveness of existing infrastructure.

While some politicians, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have downplayed the connection between climate change and hurricanes, scientists stress that rising ocean temperatures, a direct result of global warming, are increasing the strength and rainfall associated with these storms. 

Karsten Haustein, a climate scientist at Leipzig University, noted, “The total number of hurricanes is not expected to change, but the number of very strong hurricanes (category 4 or 5) is.” He further commented that Milton served as a “perfect example” of how hurricanes tend to “grow stronger quicker” as the planet warms.

As discussions about climate change and its implications continue, the urgent need for updated infrastructure and improved emergency response systems becomes increasingly clear. As President Biden prepares to survey the damage in Florida, the aftermath of these hurricanes highlights the necessity for comprehensive disaster relief efforts and the vital importance of investing in resilient infrastructure to withstand future storms.

The destructive path of Hurricanes Helene and Milton reveals the dire consequences of climate change on weather patterns and brings attention to the urgency for a proactive approach to disaster management. Without significant improvements to infrastructure and a concerted effort to address climate change, the cost in lives and property will only continue to rise.

Category : International Market Watch

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