Disaster Recovery News

When one imagines Hawaii, one thinks of sun, perfect beaches, drinks in a pineapple, volcanoes, and lots of green plants every where. However, if one were to visit the state today, they would really see rain, rain, and more rain.

Central Oahu received about a foot of rain yesterday, according to the Honolulu Advertiser. However, parts of Hawaii that were suffering from a drought received up to three inches: an answer to many prayers.

Flash flood watches will remain in effect through the weekend.

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Learn more about flood recovery.

FEMA has created more accurate maps indicating which homeowners should purchase flood insurance. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps are not only more accurate, but can be updated more efficiently. USA Today reported that by the year 2010, about 92% of the United States’ populations (which will account for 65% of the land) will be covered on the maps.

Those who have mortgages in the flood zones will be required by the federal government to carry flood insurance along with their homeowners insurance. This will create more expenses for those who have not had to carry flood insurance, but will also relieve some homeowners from the cost of flood insurance when they find out that they no longer are considered to be living in a flood zone.

“The maps will also be used for plain management and permitting purposes,” according to The World Link. Aerial photos in the new easy-to-read maps will allow people to see photos of their property.

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Learn about flood recovery services if you live in a flood zone.

As the last phases of Hurricane Norbert pass through Mexico’s western coast, the western parts of Texas prepare for more rain and more flooding.

Alicia Caldwell with the Associated Press reports:

“The storm was expected to hit Mexico’s western coast early Saturday with winds of at least 100 mph. The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Presidio area Friday, saying that heavy rain in Mexico could cause flooding along the Rio Grande there and downriver in Lajitas.”

The rain that is expected to hit Mexico could break down levees in Texas. A previous levee break caused hundreds of acres of farmland and a golf course to flood on the east side of Presidio in the U.S.

The International Water and Boundary Commission has been watching the flooding situation for the last couple of weeks and will be sending crews to the area. They expect the worst flood damage in the middle of next week.

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More on water damage and flooding recovery services.