Unequal social vulnerability to Hurricane Sandy flood exposure

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Disparities in post-disaster flooding exposure disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
• Hurricane Sandy exposed significant inequalities in flood impact among New York residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess socioeconomic disparities in Hurricane Sandy flood exposure.
• To compare self-reported and FEMA flood exposure measures in relation to demographics.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 1231 New York residents completed post-storm surveys (1.5-4.0 years after Hurricane Sandy).
• Multivariable logistic regression analyzed the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and flood exposure.
• Flood exposure was assessed using both self-reported data and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) data.

Main Results:

• Residents in the lowest income quartiles experienced the highest flood frequency (FEMA/self-reported: 65.3%/42.0%).
• Areas with lower incomes had higher proportions of non-White residents and those with limited education.
• Older participants and those in lower-income areas were more likely to experience flooding.

Conclusions:

• Significant socioeconomic and age disparities in Hurricane Sandy flood exposure were identified.
• Future disaster preparedness must integrate environmental justice principles to address unequal impacts.
• Effective strategies are needed to minimize disproportionate exposure and adverse outcomes in vulnerable communities.