Hurricane Helene and Flood Insurance Coverage

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact, less than 1% of homes in the hardest-hit areas are protected by flood insurance, according to a new report from Reuters. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the primary provider of flood coverage in the U.S., was designed with coastal regions in mind. But for inland areas, like Appalachia—where Helene’s floods wreaked havoc—the program falls short.

This insurance oversight leaves just 1 in 200 homes in the region covered, creating a financial disaster for thousands of families. With flood damage often left out of standard homeowners’ policies, the recovery process for those affected is likely to be slow and costly, shining a spotlight on the pressing need to rethink flood insurance nationwide.