Several people in some of the worst affected regions, like North Carolina, were unaware their homeowner’s insurance didn’t cover floods until it was too late|@w_terrence|X
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, less than 1% of inland houses devastated by floods and storm winds in the seven affected states had flood insurance, compared to 21% in the coastal regions, finds a Washington Post analysis.
The lack of insurance leaves residents facing financial hardship, as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster assistance only covers temporary needs like shelter and food, not home rebuilding.
Several people in some of the worst affected regions, like North Carolina, were unaware their homeowner’s insurance didn’t cover floods until it was too late. FEMA reported only 31 flood insurance policies for more than 8,600 housing units in Mitchell County, Bakersville, NC.
The situation has forced flood victims to rely on nonprofits or complicated federal programs to rebuild their lives.
There are calls for Congress to require mandatory flood insurance, similar to car insurance, and increase the amount FEMA can offer in assistance.
So far, at least 213 deaths have been confirmed across six states.