hurricane damage - who will repair

[flowerseverywhere]

The recent storm caused much destruction- especially along NY and NJ shores. I knew several people that had no power for over a week, and a friend was telling me about her relatives who are now homeless and had no flood insurance.

I was reading about promises politicians made about rebuilding the beaches etc, and then reading the comments by readers and it has really made me think a lot about FEMA and the rebuilding process. I am on the fence on this one, although as a country we are supposed to support each other but with bare coffers I don't see how all that destruction will be cleaned up and rebuilt. And should it be just to be washed away again? Will the money help the economy move forward or just help a small group of people?

[ToomuchStuff]

It can do multiple things. I have a friend in Manhattan, that was without power for a week. Another, in an area they told to leave, and he figured they were wrong and didn't and he lost everything but his life. It can help, boost the economy, and yet at the same time lead to the same thing happening again, while helping a small group of people (contractors, clean up groups, etc).
Let me ask you this, is New Orleans back to 100%?
Should it be?

[The Storyteller]

It doesn't matter how much it costs. We need to do this, no matter the cost.

There may be some things that are optional when it comes to government spending, but this isn't one of them.

[Tussiemussies]

This is the first time the Jersey shore has been hit like this in my lifetime. Don't believe it has ever been hit like this before, but cannot say that as a fact. I think it is important for New Jersey's economy as a lot of tourists come in and people renting out bungalows or homes on a large scale. The homes are very expensive there and people just want to scoop them up. So it helps indivuals a lot not just the vendors on the boardwalks. Think it needs to be restored.

[dado potato]

Read in the Times about 200 homes will be bulldozed in NYC. Apparently rebuilding can be complicated, if, for example, you want to build up above ground, so as to be less vulerable to flooding. According to the Times, insurance companies - if they pay your claim - will pay to rebuild what you had, rather than a different design..

Reportedly very few homes had federal flood insurance, because it was "expensive", so without flood insurance, people might claim for wind damage, falling trees, etc.

[flowerseverywhere]

yes all good points, and most likely a lot of rebuilding will be going on. I think after such a huge frightening experience there will be some people who won't return, but others will take their place. I can't imagine going through such a disaster. It must truly be harrowing.

Some of the weather people and scientists were saying that with the change in climate these types of storms will be more frequent, I hope not.