A new study has revealed a significant population shift across the United States due to impactful flooding events, with predictions indicating that this trend will continue to persist. In the heart of this phenomenon, KPRC Meteorologist Daji Aswad delves into the local impact in Houston, particularly in the flood-prone neighborhood of Meyerland.
Through conversations with residents and experts, she explores the emotional and economic aspects of living in an area repeatedly affected by flooding.
Charles Oynekweulu, a resident of Meyerland for two decades, expresses the dual nature of his experience. While he cherishes the beauty of the community, he vividly recalls the pain of Hurricane Harvey, sharing, “I lost everything. I’ve never experienced anything like that.” The neighborhood, nestled along Brays Bayou, displays visible signs of the toll flooding takes on real estate—empty plots of land, for sale signs, raised houses, and new developments.
Despite the challenges, some residents, like Oynekweulu, choose to remain steadfast. When asked about neighbors who left, he notes, “I know a bunch of people that left, but a lot of people didn’t go.”
The decision to stay or leave after a catastrophic event becomes a complex one, as revealed by Joel Dinkin, CEO of the Jewish Community Center.
Joel Dinkin observes a split in decisions among Meyerland residents post-Harvey. Empty nesters, unencumbered by school considerations, opted to leave, while young families faced different constraints. Dinkin explains, “For young families staying may have been out of necessity. Their house values were upside down, and they didn’t have a choice but to stay because their house that flooded had no value, only the land.”
The economic impact of flooding on real estate values is a crucial factor in residents’ decisions. Alan Herendez, a real estate broker, sheds light on the situation, emphasizing that many people felt economically tied to the area. Despite the initial challenges, he assures that the stain of flooding doesn’t last forever, and real estate markets are bouncing back.
Meyerland stands as a microcosm of the broader population shifts occurring across the nation. The resilience of its residents, their emotional ties to the community, and the economic realities they face highlight the complex decisions individuals must make in the wake of extreme weather events. As climate shifts continue to shape our communities, Meyerland becomes a symbol of determination and adaptability in the face of an uncertain future.