More People Live in Texas Floodplains than Live in 30 States
More People Live in Texas Floodplains than Live in 30 States
Source: Reduce Flooding Blog - Bob Rehak
Date: 07/29/2023 9:52am
Article Summary:
"Texas Floodplains Have More Residents Than 30 U.S. States Combined: San Jacinto Watershed Particularly Vulnerable"
According to data from the Texas Water Development Board, there are 5.9 million people living in floodplains in Texas, which is more than the population of 30 states. One in five Texans live in a floodplain, with 42% of them residing in the San Jacinto watershed. The San Jacinto basin alone has more floodplain dwellers than the next five watersheds combined. Factors such as population density, rapid growth, lax development regulations, insufficient mitigation, proximity to the coast, high rainfall rates, and low terrain contribute to the high number of people living in floodplains. The coastal areas of Texas also face additional risks from high-tide flooding, hurricanes, sea-level rise, erosion, and climate change. The San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group recommended $46 billion for studies and mitigation projects in its regional plan, while the legislature only allocated approximately $1 billion for flood prevention projects. Public awareness and education about flood risks are crucial, as many people d
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Date: 07/29/2023 9:52am
Article Summary:
"Texas Floodplains Have More Residents Than 30 U.S. States Combined: San Jacinto Watershed Particularly Vulnerable"
According to data from the Texas Water Development Board, there are 5.9 million people living in floodplains in Texas, which is more than the population of 30 states. One in five Texans live in a floodplain, with 42% of them residing in the San Jacinto watershed. The San Jacinto basin alone has more floodplain dwellers than the next five watersheds combined. Factors such as population density, rapid growth, lax development regulations, insufficient mitigation, proximity to the coast, high rainfall rates, and low terrain contribute to the high number of people living in floodplains. The coastal areas of Texas also face additional risks from high-tide flooding, hurricanes, sea-level rise, erosion, and climate change. The San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group recommended $46 billion for studies and mitigation projects in its regional plan, while the legislature only allocated approximately $1 billion for flood prevention projects. Public awareness and education about flood risks are crucial, as many people d
Read article here »