Houston, We've Got a Flood Problem

Houston hit by 5 "500-year" floods in recent years
100-150k new residents arrive annually
A new book, More City Than Water, exposes Houston's unsustainable situation

Houston has experienced five "500-year" floods in recent years, yet the Houston City Council continues to approve new developments in flood zones. Almost every part of the metro area has been affected by these floods, and some neighborhoods will never recover. Despite this, between 100,000 and 150,000 newcomers move to the area annually.

"More City Than Water" — the book's title was inspired by a moving handmade sign spotted after the storm that read "More Love Than Water."

The anthology, edited by Lacy M. Johnson and Cheryl Beckett, confronts the unsustainable situation Houston faces, made worse by climate change. It features stories from historians, activists, urban planners, scientists, poets, and artists, showcasing resilience and creativity in the face of disaster.

Houston has a long history of hurricanes and floods, dating back to the 1900 Galveston storm, the deadliest natural disaster in US history. The city's flat landscape and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make it vulnerable to storms and flooding.

A personal history of Texas hurricanes

• 1961-1983: The author shares their experience with Texas hurricanes, including Carla, Cindy, Beulah, Alicia, and more.
• 2005-2017: Hurricanes Rita, Ike, and Harvey caused widespread damage and displacement, with some relatives moving to higher ground afterward.

More City Than Water : A creative approach to flooding

The book's major strength lies in its fearless creativity and diverse range of contributors. While it may stray from the traditional atlas format, it excels as a creative writing project, giving voice to those often unheard. Graphics and maps produced by a University of Houston class are striking but sometimes challenging to interpret. The book also reveals how Houston's history of racism and pollution exacerbates the impacts of flooding.

Facts from the book:

• Since 1850, over 60 hurricanes have hit the Texas Gulf Coast.
• Houston lost 70% of its wetlands since 1992, increasing flood susceptibility.
• Harris County's "100-year" floodplain is more like a "25-year" floodplain, according to NOAA.
• 54% of recently flooded Houstonians were unaware of the risk, according to a study.
• Houston's wastewater treatment plants are close to bayous and parks, posing health risks during floods.

Houston's resilience in the face of flooding is a testament to its diverse community. Creative solutions, like The Woodlands suburb, demonstrate that working with nature can lead to sustainable results.