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CURRENT EVENT | October 26, 2018

Debate: Should People Rebuild on Coastal Property After Major Storms?

In the wake of Hurricane Florence, extreme flooding caused an enormous amount of damage along the coast of North Carolina. Many of the affected areas have experienced repeated flooding, yet the majority of these homes and businesses are not covered by flood insurance. Some people want to rebuild in the same spot, and others want to move inland away from waterways that could flood again. Listen to hear about the dilemma facing eastern North Carolina residents, and then debate: Should people rebuild on coastal property after major storms?

Story Length: 4:15

Listen to the Story:

SOURCE:

National Public Radio © 2018 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.

09/18/2018


Listening Comprehension Questions

  • According to the emergency management agent featured in the story, what does the state hope more people will consider when looking ahead to recovery from future storms?
  • What does the North Carolina governor mean when he says, “it’s not a 500-year flood”?
  • What does the Duke professor interviewed think should happen in response to what he views as a “wake-up call” for coastal communities?
  • What worries the professor who studies how communities respond to extreme flooding?
  • What are the expected costs of damage from Hurricane Florence?

Classroom Discussion Themes

  • Debate: Should people rebuild on coastal property after major storms?
  • If your home were destroyed by hurricane flooding, would you want to rebuild in the same place or move to a different community? Why?