‘We feel like nobody cares’: Floods force residents of Fort Lauderdale neighborhood to start over

The relentless rains that hit Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in May caused devastating floods that left many residents to start over. One neighborhood, Edgewood, was especially hard-hit. Interviews with residents show that the water was waist-deep, and many lost everything they owned, including cars, furniture, and pictures. The damage occurred despite efforts by city officials to improve drainage and reinforce infrastructure in anticipation of storms. Residents of Edgewood are frustrated, claiming that authorities didn’t do enough to protect them. They feel ignored and forgotten. The floods that swept across Florida this past month reveal the significant damage even moderate rains can cause. Despite the impressive infrastructure, cities and towns that are not well-prepared will remain vulnerable to floods in the future. Flooding continues to be a crucial issue for the US, and city leaders must take urgent action to protect citizens and create comprehensive disaster plans to prevent future harm.