Storm Warning: U.S. Hospitals Face Rising Flood Risk
More than 170 hospitals in the United States are at high risk of flooding as stronger storms become more common, experts warn. A report from KFF Health News found that 39 inland hospitals, including 16 in Appalachia, are vulnerable to flooding from overflowing rivers and creeks.
Scientists say every degree of global warming increases heavy rainfall by about 4%. In 2024, Hurricane Helene caused flash floods that destroyed a Tennessee hospital and trapped 70 people until helicopters rescued them. Alice Hill, a former White House climate advisor, said the risk is even higher because FEMA stopped enforcing hospital flood safety rules in March. She warned that weaker protections could cost lives as storms continue to grow stronger.
Evelyn Nam For The Kids Times kids/1762393582/1613368258
1. What damage did Hurricane Helene cause?
2. Why is Alice Hill worried?
3. What can be done to protect hospitals?
1. Has you ever faced flooding before?
2. Do you worry about storms?
3. Do you feel safe?
More than 170 hospitals in the United States are at high risk of flooding as stronger storms become more common, experts warn. A report from KFF Health News found that 39 inland hospitals, including 16 in Appalachia, are vulnerable to flooding from overflowing rivers and creeks.
Scientists say every degree of global warming increases heavy rainfall by about 4%. In 2024, Hurricane Helene caused flash floods that destroyed a Tennessee hospital and trapped 70 people until helicopters rescued them. Alice Hill, a former White House climate advisor, said the risk is even higher because FEMA stopped enforcing hospital flood safety rules in March. She warned that weaker protections could cost lives as storms continue to grow stronger.
