July 23 – When you think of natural disasters, you might picture hurricanes in Florida or earthquakes in California. But recent data shows that the highest number of federally declared disasters actually happen in inland counties, not just on the coasts.
Floyd County, a rural area in eastern Kentucky, has faced major flooding disasters over the years. In July 2022, a severe flood led to the death of at least 40 people and damaged 300 homes. This was the 13th time in 12 years that the county had been declared a federal disaster area. Judge Robbie Williams, who manages the county’s affairs, says it’s overwhelming to see so many people lose their homes and knows it’s just a matter of time before another disaster strikes.
And indeed, Floyd County was hit by another disaster in 2023, marking the 14th federal disaster declaration since 2011. But Floyd County isn’t the only inland area struggling with frequent disasters. Johnson County, also in Kentucky, has had 15 federally declared disasters since 2011.
While people often think of the coasts as the most disaster-prone areas, an atlas from New York University’s Institute for Public Knowledge reveals that many inland counties experience frequent disasters. Eight of the nine counties with the most federal disaster declarations since 2011 are in Kentucky, with one in Vermont. These counties face disasters four to five times more often than the national average of three disasters per county in the past 13 years.
Amy Chester, who created the atlas, says that while hurricanes and big storms get a lot of media attention, there are many smaller, more frequent disasters happening across the country. Chester highlights Vermont, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Iowa, and Alaska as other disaster hotspots.
The data from 2011 to 2023 shows that climate change is making natural disasters more common and severe, not just in coastal areas but also in inland regions. Chester says that while she initially thought Vermont would be safe from climate change, it has become a frequent disaster zone. Just days after her comments, Vermont experienced flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl.
Flooding is the most common type of disaster in the U.S. Since 2011, FEMA has provided more than $41 billion in aid for disasters, with hurricanes being the biggest expense. Despite this, many smaller but frequent disasters also require aid.
Susan Cutter, a professor at the University of South Carolina, notes that disaster frequency and severity are increasing nationwide. She says more efforts are needed to make communities more resilient to these disasters.
On the other hand, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, home to Charlotte, is the largest U.S. county that hasn’t had a federally declared disaster since 2011. Charlotte’s emergency management chief, Robert Graham, attributes this to good luck, strong local governance, and favorable geography.
In contrast, Floyd County’s geographical and regulatory challenges contribute to its frequent flooding. The county’s narrow valley floors and the increasing intensity of rainfall are worsening the situation. Local regulations prevent officials from dredging the creeks, which have become shallower over time due to sediment from nearby mountains.
Despite receiving over $35 million in FEMA aid since 2011, Floyd County continues to face disaster challenges. The local government is working to buy and relocate homes from flood-prone areas, but it’s a difficult and ongoing task.
Interestingly, nearly 60 counties with at least 10 federal disaster declarations since 2011 are mostly represented by Republicans in Congress, while most of the 280 counties with no disasters are represented by Democrats. This shows that while extreme weather affects everyone, it is not a partisan issue.
Samantha Montano, a professor of emergency management, emphasizes that how state and local policies manage disaster risks is crucial.
The data reveals that disasters are not just a coastal problem but a widespread issue affecting many inland counties as well. While Floyd County’s struggles illustrate the severe impacts of climate change and inadequate local resources, they also highlight the need for better disaster planning and resilience measures.
