After the Flood

The storm passes. The clean up starts. The cameras and journalists leave. But the human cost of massive storms goes on. And on. “There’s the heightened physical and mental stress caused by the crisis. There can also be a cascade of added environmental hazards, like chemical releases from damaged industrial facilities. On top of that, storms hit people’s pocketbooks. They might have a harder time paying for healthcare as a result. Disasters tighten government budgets, which also could lead to less funds to spend on public health initiatives. And lastly, big storms can fray social support systems when people are displaced.” The hidden toll taken by tropical storms. “The average tropical storm or hurricane leads to the early deaths of between 7,170 and 11,430 people, the researchers estimate.”

+ “Employees of Impact Plastics have alleged management didn’t allow workers to leave the factory even as warnings were issued and floodwaters from the Nolichucky River began to swamp the building.” Authorities investigating Impact Plastics in Tennessee after workers died in flooding.

+ Biden sends 1,000 Army troops to North Carolina for Helene response.