Two few communities nationwide have the proper resources to rescue people trapped in raging floodwaters. Many Good Samaritans lost their lives trying to pluck victims off the rooftops of their homes and vehicles. In North Carolina there were 911 calls that went unanswered for more than 12 hours because no one was able to help. Public safety agencies were so overwhelmed by the massive scale of this flood disaster that they had to call upon federal resources for assistance. The Bilbray-Morella Flood Rescue Team Proposal would simply provide additional swift water and flood rescue teams, many from here in Southern California, to supplement local resources during major flood disasters like Hurricane Floyd, not to replace those few local swift water rescue programs that do exist.
Flooding is the leading cause of weather-related death nationwide.
The Bilbray-Morella Flood Rescue Team Proposal is a step in the right direction. But as KNX recommends, more also needs to be done to improve local flood rescue preparedness nationwide. Please include the date and topic.