In recent years, many U.S. residents have endured devastating floods.
But a new report from the nonprofits Headwaters Economics and Hispanic Access Foundation warns that Latino communities in the states are especially at risk.
The authors found that 44% of Latinos live in counties with a high flood risk, compared to just 35% of non-Latinos.
What’s more, Latino residents often face other challenges like language barriers and high housing costs, which can make floods even more harmful.
Hernandez: “A third of Latinos live in flood-prone communities with unaffordable housing. And that can obviously create a lot of stress when floods occur and destroy some of the only affordable housing in a community.”
Patty Hernandez is with Headwaters Economics. She says it’s critical to not just address flooding but also to address these vulnerabilities.
Hernandez: “What is needed are solutions to root problems that just tend to compound difficulties during floods.”
For example, government agencies could increase access to safe and affordable housing or create bilingual flood safety and evacuation information — so vulnerable communities can be better prepared for dangerous floods.
Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media
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