Florida Residents Battle Devastating Floods: Stories of Survival and Resilience

Residents of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, are pleading for improved drainage infrastructure to protect their neighborhoods from flooding. The city plans to upgrade the drainage infrastructure in 25 flood-prone neighborhoods over the next decade, but some areas may have to wait until 2034 for completion. The recent heavy rainstorms have highlighted the urgent need for action, as many homes were severely damaged. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of storms in the region, and the existing drainage systems are not equipped to handle such extreme rainfall. Residents are frustrated by the lack of storm drains and are calling on the city to prioritize basic infrastructure upgrades.