The Conversation U.S.

The National Academies report highlights the critical need for improved disaster planning and recovery strategies, particularly in communities like Lake Charles, Louisiana, that faced a series of compounding disasters. In 2020, Lake Charles was rocked by back-to-back hurricanes and a pandemic, severely complicating recovery efforts. The report indicates how Hurricane Laura followed by Hurricane Delta inflicted significant damage on already vulnerable infrastructures, exacerbated by subsequent severe weather events like deep freezes and heavy rainfall.

The findings emphasize the necessity for proactive measures such as building resilient homes, enhancing construction standards, and refining disaster assistance systems to adapt to more frequent and severe climate events. The focus shifts from merely managing disasters to preventing their impact through better preparedness and flexible response strategies. By providing actionable recommendations based on Lake Charles' experiences, the report serves as a crucial guide for communities aiming to bolster their resilience against the growing threats posed by climate change.