The Texas flood tragedy was predictable, but was it preventable?
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A fundamental shift is needed in how we approach flood management and community resilience. We must create discussions for communities to come together periodically, much as families gather to discuss important financial decisions. These discussions should focus on long-term planning, risk assessment, and proactive measures to mitigate flood risks. Think – life insurance for levees.
A promising model for facilitating these crucial conversations in California is the Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GHAD) (California Association of GHADs, n.d.). GHADs, originally designed to address possible but rare landslide risks, are governed by a Plan of Control and are a government entity well-suited to provide the structured framework communities need to address geological and hydrological hazards. They offer a platform for open dialogue, expert consultation, and collaborative decision-making on issues related to flood management and other natural hazards.
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The benefits of this approach include:
1. Proactive Planning: Regular community gatherings focus on flood management, encourage long-term thinking and preventive measures, potentially averting tragedies like the one in Texas.
2. Shared Responsibility: GHADs foster a sense of collective ownership in flood management, leading to more engaged and resilient communities.
3. Expert Input: By involving insurance companies and other specialists, communities can access professional risk assessment and management expertise.
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