Episode Details

When Hurricane Helene unleashed catastrophic floods across the Appalachians, homes in Swannanoa, North Carolina, vanished under water—up to the attic. Midwife Liz Barker lost her home, joining thousands in Buncombe County who were uninsured, despite believing they were safe because their property wasn’t on FEMA’s flood maps. Experts warn that outdated maps and misconceptions leave millions vulnerable. Newer models from companies like First Street reveal far greater risks, pushing FEMA to update its data—slowly. Barker, though initially deterred by cost, is now rebuilding with community support, embodying resilience amid a crisis that exposed a dangerous gap between perception and reality.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/c69b9c44dcfbe74b