At least 170 US hospitals face major flood risks
A recent analysis reveals that at least 170 hospitals across the United States are vulnerable to severe flooding, posing risks to healthcare infrastructure amid worsening climate conditions. Experts attribute part of the escalating threat to policy decisions under former President Donald Trump that rolled back environmental protections. This vulnerability could disrupt critical medical services for millions during disasters.
The study, published by the Union of Concerned Scientists, highlights how rising sea levels and intensifying storms are placing numerous healthcare facilities in peril. According to the report, these 170 hospitals are situated in areas prone to what researchers term 'major flood events,' defined as floods that could inundate large portions of the buildings. This assessment draws on data from federal flood maps and climate projections, estimating that such events could become more frequent in the coming decades.
Experts emphasize the human stakes involved. 'Hospitals are critical infrastructure, and when they're underwater, lives are at risk,' said Kristina Dahl, a principal climate scientist at the organization and lead author of the study. The analysis points to coastal regions and river basins as hotspots, with facilities in states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana particularly exposed. For instance, over 50 hospitals in Florida alone are flagged for high risk, potentially affecting access to care for elderly populations and low-income communities that rely heavily on these institutions.
The report also critiques federal policy shifts during Trump's presidency as aggravating factors. Actions such as withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, easing regulations on fossil fuel emissions, and altering Clean Water Act protections are said to hinder adaptation efforts. 'These rollbacks make it harder for communities to prepare for and mitigate flood risks,' Dahl noted. While the study acknowledges some hospitals have implemented flood barriers or elevated equipment, many lack sufficient resources, especially in underfunded public systems.
Broader context underscores the urgency. The U.S. healthcare system already strains under disaster response, as seen in events like Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which flooded several Texas hospitals. Projections indicate that without stronger climate policies, the number of at-risk facilities could double by mid-century. The experts call for reinstating protective regulations and investing in resilient infrastructure to safeguard public health.