Vulnerable communities in the U.S. are disproportionately impacted by high urban flood risk and lack of access to shelters, reveals a study published in Communications Earth & Environment. The research, led by a team from the University of California, Berkeley, underscores the urgent need to identify and support at-risk populations.
The study’s findings highlight the stark disparities in flood risk and shelter access among different racial and ethnic groups, with Black and Hispanic communities being particularly affected. The researchers used a combination of flood risk data, shelter locations, and demographic information to map out the areas of greatest concern.
The study’s results underscore the importance of incorporating equity considerations into disaster planning and response strategies. The team’s findings could help inform policy decisions and resource allocation, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are adequately protected from the increasing threat of urban flooding.
“High urban flood risk and no shelter access disproportionally impact vulnerable communities in the USA” (January 3, 2024)
