The reports of ongoing devastation from Hurricane Harvey in the Houston, Texas area have left many in shock. As the fourth largest city in the United States faces virtual destruction from the forces of nature, the scale of the disaster becomes increasingly apparent.
Those with family members in the impacted regions have shared their experiences: “As of three hours ago we are still in our homes and the water has not reached us yet.” The storm’s intensity and length have surprised everyone. The National Weather Service has exhausted its color palette attempting to depict rainfall totals in certain locations. There is consensus that recovery will take years following a storm system expected to persist for approximately five days.
When examining the damage wrought by this super storm, one can observe comparable or even greater vulnerabilities throughout our own region. Communities like Revere sit almost entirely below sea level. Winthrop has limited evacuation routes, both crossing water. The New England Produce Center serving Chelsea and Everett, which distributes fresh foods throughout the Northeast and parts of Canada, would face catastrophic flooding from either tidal surge or the rainfall volumes generated by a Harvey-type storm. Sections of East Boston near Boston Harbor experience regular flooding, let alone what a Harvey would bring. The Back Bay and Downtown Boston areas, positioned only marginally above sea level, would suffer devastating damage from a super storm comparable to Harvey or Sandy.
Experts now speak not of “if” but “when” such a super storm will strike, according to predictions.
Limited options exist given that many local areas feature impervious surfaces like roads and sidewalks that inhibit natural water drainage during heavy rains. Combined with rising sea levels and development of remaining vacant land, our communities face growing peril.
Certain protective steps remain possible. Utility infrastructure including electrical systems should be relocated from basements to upper floors in flood-prone areas. Water drainage systems in flood plains must be engineered to direct runoff rapidly toward surrounding marshlands.
Implementation of these measures would require financial investment from state or federal sources. As our communities plan future development and infrastructure improvements, we call on elected officials to pursue funding mechanisms that will reduce hurricane-related disaster impacts.
Community leaders are currently requesting resident donations for Harvey victims. We encourage all to contribute what they are able, as this represents the immediate assistance available.