Hurricanes' impact on wealth and insurance gaps

Severe weather events such as hurricanes create challenges in rebuilding, insurance and wealth distribution. These articles highlight communities' struggles recovering from storms.

Read the stories below.

Jeff and Laurie Schleede spent days cleaning their property on Cedar Key, which was gutted by Helene. The storm also took out the dock. By Ashley Miznazi

NO. 1: ‘AN EMPTY FEELING.’ AT HELENE’S FLORIDA LANDFALL, FEW HAVE INSURANCE TO HELP REBUILD

Fewer than 5% of people in Taylor County, where it made landfall, have flood insurance. | Published October 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joey Flechas

Damage and debris is seen in a neighborhood in Charlotte County near Manasota Key on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, the morning after Hurricane Milton hit the area. By Al Diaz / Miami Herald Staff

NO. 2: FLORIDA’S WOBBLY INSURANCE MARKET WILL SURVIVE MILTON’S DEVASTATION, TOP OFFICIAL SAYS

Wall Street analysts predicted the storm could cause anywhere from $50 billion to $175 billion in insured losses, Barron’s reported. | Published October 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lawrence Mower

A resident walks with her belongings through the flooded N 15th St in North Tampa, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida’s Gulf Coast. By Pedro Portal

NO. 3: AFTER DISASTERS LIKE MILTON, WHITES GAIN WEALTH, WHILE PEOPLE OF COLOR LOSE, RESEARCH SHOWS

The Biden administration has approved more than $2.3 billion for those affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Studies show the system for distributing the funds deepens historical divides. | Published November 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Amy Green

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.