March 17, 2025 (EIRNS)—The death toll is now 42 from the monster wave of storms over the weekend across South and Central states; 340,000 were left with no electricity. Two powerful low-pressure systems, one speeding across the Plains on March 14 and another in the Deep South on March 15, with warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, fueled thunderstorms and tornadoes. In Oklahoma winds strong enough to turn over tractor trailers sparked fires that injured 142. In Sherman County, Kansas eight people died in an Interstate Highway 70 pileup triggered by a sudden dust storm that limited visibility. At least a dozen tornadoes tore through southern Missouri, killing 12 and leaving a path of destroyed homes and businesses.
Now comes the agony that rebuilding from disasters in the U.S. is itself often a disaster. In recent years, post-fire, storm, flood, quake, or other disasters, see years of desperation, when the means are lacking to rebuild households, factories, farms and infrastructure. Local governments do not have the resources. In New Jersey and New York, communities are still struggling to build back after the 2012 superstorm Hurricane Sandy. Look at today’s national challenge to rebuild in California after the Los Angeles fires.
Lawmakers in Raleigh, North Carolina had a hearing March 6 on the stall-out of rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, which hit Sept. 27, 2024. There was damage to 185,000 homes; 100 people died, 25 are still missing. State officials told them that it will be years, maybe 2030, until work is done. As of this month, no homes at all have been rebuilt. Rebuilding may not start until late summer.
The Washington Post reported yesterday on the situation. Millions have been spent but it is nearly all to meet immediate needs (hotel stays, debris removal, etc.) and not for long-term rebuilding. FEMA alone has spent $402 million to help 157,000 families in this way.
