Hurricane Ida, like all hurricanes of that magnitude, caused substantial damage, and the ignorance abounds after the event. Comments on news reports are full of the usual anger about government rebuilding with public money, and the damning of the individuals that live in in hurricane prone areas.
Government assistance ends after one claim. Help from FEMA, which doesn't allow enough money to rebuild, requires those that were helped to acquire insurance, or take the chance they won't have damage in the future. Otherwise, since there have been enough major hurricanes along the Gulf Coast over the last twenty years, the rebuilding costs are mostly covered by insurance. The same goes for flood prone areas. The result of this is either relocation by individuals, or the demand new buildings follow strict building codes, and hefty insurance costs.
In the end, damage from hurricanes leads to higher real estate values. If there is a known economic advantage to rebuilding, it will happen. Property that is no longer viable for development is abandoned. This can lead to pricey vacation property, and the cottage industries that supply those with enough money to invest in the real estate. Businesses in these areas already know the stakes, and stay because the demand for their services outweighs the risks. The costs to stay are included in the prices.
Another thing: People stay where they know the area, or cherish their hometown. Generations of families may continue their heritage, or keep a family business thriving for those that either enjoy a hurricane prone area, or have work that demands the proximity to the coast. Usually, these types of people are more self-sufficient, have strong family roots, and really don't care what anyone else thinks. They don't ask for any special favors, and can take care of their own. Belittling them shows ignorance, and a lack of character.
Life decisions are much more complicated than critics care to admit. You explain it very clearly.
ReplyDeleteI lived on the east coast of Florida for 38 years. It was tough at times.
I grew up in a town encircled by a hurricane levee. Those that live there are the children of the children that built, and ran, the huge petrochemical complex that still exists. For many, the money is good, the enjoyment in life is between shifts, and the hope is a major hurricane won't wipe out their heritage.
DeleteUp and down the coast are offshore support businesses, and those that ply the Gulf for seafood. Many of the people, with known ancestor ties stretching back to the eighteen hundreds, are continuing a family business, or legacy. Some have lost everything, only to build again, and others have found their love in life, and tenaciously hold on.
How much money is generated by those areas? A lot. They're vital to the nation.
ReplyDeleteMore than most would believe. For me, it's home, and regardless of the outcome of any storm, I'll probably never leave.
Deletei never will forget listening to a blowhard yuck yuck on about how he hoped the hurricane came his way again b/c he got a big check last time and hadn't fixed anything yet, har har, as he sat eating breakfast with the sheriff. i wanted to rip his head off but i was on my honeymoon and my bride was kicking my shin as hard as she could. now that's all i hear when "hurricane whatshername is coming omg!" comes across the tv screen.
ReplyDeleteI was about forty miles East of the eye of Ike. The highest sustained winds were a little over 80 mph, which means there is no leaving at that point. It was an interesting experience, and many found they didn't pay attention to what they signed after hurricane Rita.
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