Hundreds of hospitals on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are at risk of being flooded by hurricanes, according to a new study.
The study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, found that nearly 500 hospitals are located in flood zones that are at risk of being inundated by a storm surge from a Category 3 or higher hurricane.
Of those, 96 hospitals are located in Florida, which is considered to be one of the most vulnerable states in the country when it comes to hurricanes.
The study’s authors say that the number of hospitals at risk of flooding is likely to increase in the future as sea levels rise and hurricanes become more intense.
They say that it’s imperative for hospitals to have contingency plans in place in case of a major hurricane, such as evacuation plans for patients and staff.
The study comes as Hurricane Irma, a powerful Category 5 storm, is bearing down on the Caribbean and could potentially threaten parts of the southeastern United States later this week.
A new study has found that hundreds of hospitals on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are at risk of flooding from hurricanes. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, used a computer model to simulate the impact of hurricanes on coastal communities.
The model showed that more than 380 hospitals in the US are at risk of flooding from hurricanes. This includes hospitals in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. The study also found that nearly 200 of these hospitals are at risk of being inundated with more than six feet of water.
This is a significant finding, as previous studies have estimated that only a handful of hospitals are at risk of hurricane-related flooding. The reason for the discrepancy is that the new study took into account the impact of rising sea levels.
The findings are particularly worrisome in light of the fact that Hurricane Irma, which struck Florida in September 2017, caused flooding in more than 30 hospitals. Hurricane Harvey, which hit Texas in August 2017, also caused flooding in several hospitals.
The new study highlights the importance of preparing for the worst when it comes to hurricanes. Hospitals are critical infrastructure, and their ability to function during and after a storm is essential for the health and safety of coastal residents.
Take the case of Hurricane Katrina, which struck New Orleans in 2005. The storm caused catastrophic damage to several hospitals, including those that were inundated with floodwaters. As a result, many patients had to be evacuated, and some died.
The new study underscores the need for hospitals on the coast to take steps to protect themselves from flooding. This includes fortifying buildings and installing floodgates. It is also crucial for hospitals to have a plan for evacuating patients in the event of a flood.
The stakes are high, but the cost of inaction is even higher. With the threat of hurricanes growing, now is the time for coastal hospitals to take action to protect themselves and their patients.
