Forecasters have predicted that this summer could be accompanied by the worst flooding the United States has seen in its history, as rivers continue to run higher than flood levels and the soil is still saturated from the spring’s rising waters. The last record-breaking floods were in 1993, when $25 billion in damages occurred between the months of April and August within nine states. According to the National Weather Service, this year, the water levels haven’t receded much and the soil remains soaked so that it would take only a…
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National Flood Insurance Program on financial shaky ground
On Wednesday, a subcommittee of the House of Representatives approved amendments that could help revitalize the stagnant National Flood Insurance Program. The program is currently in a state of bankruptcy, having been unable to procure any additional funding from the government. It will continue to operate until September 30, when funding will run out completely. The legislation, which was passed by a voice vote, seeks to revamp the program to make it more financially sound and provide federal agencies such as FEMA more flexibility in their operations. “In the near…
Read MoreAustralia: Property insurance risk are being recalculated
The flooding that struck Australia’s Queensland some months back was expected to have severe ramifications on the insurance industry. Now, officials are reporting that rates for homeowners are going to be raised by as much as 30%. Queensland residents have been receiving renewal notices for their policies’ premiums will be increasing. Many of these policyholders own property that survived the flooding without any damage, leading them to question the rate increase. Insurers claim a myriad of reasons behind the rate increase. While the flooding is a prominent factor, they assert…
Read MoreNew flood map ratings for Alabama residents
Legislators in Baldwin, Alabama, are working toward a measure that would add $478,000 annually to flood insurance premium savings for its residents. Baldwin first entered the Community Rating System in 1995 in order to obtain better flood insurance rates on behalf of its residents. According to the system, counties that fare well in rating are eligible for discounts for insurance in the categories they score well in. Baldwin currently ranks 7 out of 10, and enjoys a 15% discount in rates. These numbers could increase if the county’s proposed modifications…
Read MoreFEMA encourages flood insurance for spring season
The high season for flooding is from February to the end of April. All depending on temperatures and predictions of record rain fall, there are many areas that are considered high risk by FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA is paying special attention to Davison County in South Dakota. On Friday, the agency released a warning: a 98% chance of minor to moderate flooding, with at least a 50% chance of major flooding. This area is home to over 20,000 people and the biggest threat is the rising waters…
Read MoreNational Flood Insurance Program update gains House’s vote
The National Flood Insurance Program has not been updated since 1994. The House voted to revamp this vital program to continue protecting homes and businesses as it has for over 40 years. Part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this vital program is struggling with debt due to recent losses. Available to home and business owners in flood risk areas, the National Flood Insurance Program offers insurance to more than 5 million. This insurance is also available to over 20,000 communities that are involved in efforts to reduce flood…
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