After Hurricane Harvey
Failures in a Flood Zone
In 2016, ProPublica and The Texas Tribune sounded the alarm that Houston’s overdevelopment and underestimation of flood risk had made it a sitting duck for the next big storm. Then, Hurricane Harvey hit.
How Harvey Hurt Houston, in 10 Maps
The city got two “100-year” storms in the two years before Harvey made landfall. All three storms flooded thousands of houses, many outside of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood plains.
Buyouts Won’t Be the Answer for Many Frequent Flooding Victims
Even after Hurricane Harvey, the best efforts by Harris County officials to purchase the most flood-prone homes won’t make a dent in the larger problem — worsening flooding, and a buyout program that can’t keep up.
Everyone Knew Houston’s Reservoirs Would Flood — Except for the People Who Bought Homes Inside Them
Despite concerns about flooding in and around the Addicks and Barker reservoirs, government officials prioritized development.
Texas Official After Harvey: The ‘Red Cross Was Not There’
Once again, there were appeals for donations to the Red Cross. And once again, local officials are saying the charity hasn’t delivered.
Independent Monitors Found Benzene Levels After Harvey Six Times Higher Than Guidelines
After an oil tank in Houston’s Manchester neighborhood caved in, private monitors found levels that far exceeded California’s health guideline
Rethinking the ‘Infrastructure’ Discussion Amid a Blitz of Hurricanes
Several experts on climate and resilience talk about the role of government. “Viewed correctly, sensible safeguards are part of freedom, not a retreat from it.”
Houston Officials Hope Harvey Convinces Congress to Fund Coastal Barrier
Mayor Sylvester Turner on Tuesday gave his strongest endorsement to date for constructing a physical coastal barrier to protect the region from deadly storm surge.
How the Truth Can Get Damaged in a Hurricane, Too
The recent monster storms have kicked up a fair amount of falsehoods. We talk with a reporter trying to hold on to the facts.
Where the Government Spends to Keep People in Flood-Prone Houston Neighborhoods
The government has shelled out $265 million for flood claims on 1,155 severe repetitive loss properties in the flood insurance program in Harris County.
Development and Disasters — A Deadly Combination Well Beyond Houston
Scientists warn of more and expanding “bull’s-eyes” as Americans build in parts of the country at ever greater risk because of climate change and severe weather.
Houston’s Dams Won’t Fail. But Many Homes Will Have to Be Flooded to Save Them
The water that goes around the spillways is going to have to leave the reservoir somehow — and enter areas surrounding it.
